Shakira Talks Messy Split From Soccer Star, Gerard Pique: 'I Was Dedicated To Him'

In a candid interview, Shakira revealed her belief in lifelong commitment, inspired by her parents' enduring love, but acknowledged that her 11-year romance with Gerard Piqué ended in June 2022.

She discussed the challenges she faced balancing her career with motherhood while living in Barcelona. Shakira shared her desire for a global tour in 2024, aiming to keep ticket prices affordable, emphasizing the importance of her extensive song repertoire.

Shakira also opened up about the complexities of being a single parent of two, expressing the difficulties of juggling her pop star career with motherhood and highlighting the sacrifices she makes for her children.

In a recent Billboard cover story, Shakira reflected on her past relationship with Gerard Piqué.

The "Waka Waka" hitmaker expressed her strong belief in a lifelong commitment and compared it to her parents' enduring love. "My priority was my home, my family. I believed in "till death do us part," she said. "I believed that dream, and I had that dream for myself, for my children."

Shakira's parents, together for around 50 years, served as her inspiration. The Colombian superstar shared she had envisioned a similar lasting relationship for herself and her children, adding, "My parents have been together, I don't know, 50 years, and they love each other like the first day, with a love that's unique and unrepeatable. So I know it's possible."

Unfortunately, her 11-year romance with Piqué came to an end in June 2022, contrary to her initial hopes. Shakira shared her deep desire for a love that lasts forever but acknowledged that sometimes, dreams don't materialize, stating, "It's what I wanted for myself and my children, but it didn't happen."

Shakira also discussed the challenges she faced regarding her career while living in Barcelona with Piqué. She admitted that her dedication to family and the Spanish soccer player made it difficult to focus on her profession.

"Well, the thing is, I was dedicated to him. To the family, to him," she revealed to Billboard. "It was very difficult for me to attend to my professional career while in Barcelona."

She added that logistically, it was a struggle to find collaborators in Barcelona, as she had to wait for schedules to align. "I couldn't leave my children and just go somewhere to make music outside my house. It was hard to maintain the rhythm," she added.

However, since relocating to Miami and the U.S., the MTV Video Vanguard Award winner revealed she enjoys greater "logistical and technical support" for her work. This location change has provided her with the necessary resources and freedom to pursue her career more effectively.

In another part of the interview, Shakira shared her plans for a global tour in 2024. Despite her reputation for extravagant concerts, she aims to keep ticket prices "affordable," emphasizing that the repertoire of songs is paramount.

With an extensive catalog of hits, Shakira believes this upcoming tour will be "the tour of a lifetime because I have so many songs."

Keith Sarkisian, a partner at WME Music, unveiled details of the tour, stating it will encompass "arena and stadium shows in nearly two dozen countries across Latin America, North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East."

Shakira also shared insights into the challenges of balancing her career as a single mother of two. She expressed that the demanding schedule of a pop star conflicts with her responsibilities as a mom. "I have to put my kids to bed, and go to the recording studio; everything is uphill," the singer explained.

Without a spouse to share parenting duties, the "Hips Don't Lie" crooner said she must constantly juggle her professional and family life. Shakira emphasized her desire to be a present mother, stating, "I like to be a present mom and I need to be there every moment with my children: take them to school, have breakfast with them, take them to play dates. And aside from that, I have to make money."

The artist lamented the sacrifices, noting her absence from the gym and the lack of self-care, which has taken a toll on her physical well-being.

"I haven't been to the gym in a year. Well, I've gone a couple of times. I don't know how long it's been since I got a massage. I have torticollis! Something's got to give. My neck. My traps. That's what gives. It's hard to do everything."