Shakira, Garcia Marquez Launch Foundation

Shakira joined with fellow Colombian and Nobel Prize laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez on Tuesday to launch a star-studded foundation to fight child poverty in Latin America.

Backed by the two Colombians and other luminaries of entertainment and finance, the Latin America in Solidarity Action _ whose Spanish acronym is ALAS, or “wings” _ took flight with a promise to tackle poverty that kills 350,000 children each year in the region.

Spanish singer Miguel Bose will serve as executive director of the foundation, conceived about a year ago by Shakira, who also heads the Colombia-based nonprofit foundation Pies Descalzos, or Barefoot, which helps the child victims of violence in that South American country.

The ALAS promoters said the foundation doesn’t seek to replace other organizations that work with children or eliminate the obligation governments have to eradicate poverty, but to strengthen existing efforts.

Shakira Gets Keys to Miami

This metropolis, a major hub of Latino culture, gave Shakira the keys to the city after hailing the Colombian songstress for admirably representing Hispanics as she tours the globe.

“It is a great pleasure and honor to bestow this recognition on an artist who broke all records by selling out five concerts at American Airlines Arena and one who so well represents all Latinos all over the world,” said Mayor Manny Diaz during the Wednesday afternoon key-presentation ceremony.

“I remember how, years ago, I had the intuition that Miami would be a great city in my artistic success,” said the singer in accepting the honor. She said she shared the recognition “especially with the artistic community of Miami, which rises early for work and of which I am proud to form part.”

Britney, Shakira, Jessica, Paris and Beyonce top Yahoo searches

 George Clooney may be the “sexiest man alive,” but is he the most searched person on the Internet?

According to Yahoo’s top 10 list of the most conducted searches in 2006, Britney Spears is back on top. The pop star had fallen from interest last year, but has hit No. 1 on the list five times in six years, according to Yahoo.

Yahoo has published the Top 10 Searches of 2006 lists, which include TV shows, movies, politicians and news stories. Among sports teams, the New York Yankees were No. 1, while the Boston Red Sox came in fourth. Spider-Man 3, due out in May 2007, was the most searched movie.

Britney is not the only “lady” to capture the interest of searchers. Shakira, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Beyoncé Knowles, Pamela Anderson and Lindsay Lohan, were also among the top 10 most searchable terms.

Beyonce pens duet for Shakira

Beyonce Knowles has revealed that she’d love to work with Latin firecracker Shakira - and has even penned a song for what looks set to be one of the most glamorous pairings in pop.

“I have a song written for her,” confirms the bootylicious singer, who admits she’s a big fan of her Colombian counterpart.

“I’ve met her a couple of times, she’s so sweet and genuine,” Beyonce says of Shakira. “She’s talented, she’s a rounded artist.”

“No-one else sounds like her, she has her own style - she is an entertainer,” adds the 25-year-old, who admits that she even went to one of Shakira’s live shows recently.

But who knows when fans can expect the pair’s proposed duet, which will surely be a hip-shaking extravaganza.

Beyonce, who is set to begin her own solo world tour early next year says coyly: “We’ve been talking about it, but she is on tour right now. Everyone wants a sneak peak!”

Shakira and Seat – in partnership for charity

Shakira, one of the most globally successful pop stars of today, and winner of several worldwide awards – Grammy, Latin Grammy, MTV, European MTV, Latin MTV Billboard, American Music Awards, and Echos – has chosen SEAT, the Spanish automotive brand, as the main sponsor of her 2007 Shakira Oral Fixation European Tour. The three-month long tour will start on 25th January in Hamburg, Germany, travelling through more than 10 European countries.

SEAT and Shakira’s partnership connects the Spanish brand with one of the most successful performers in the world, whose tour has already won several accolades, including ‘Most successful tour ever in South America’, ‘Best tour in Spain’, ‘Fastest selling tour ever’ and ‘Most rewarded event in the USA’.