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SHAKIRA AND RICKY SHARE THE GLORY AT BIG APPLE BASH

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3 NOVEMBER 2006

If any doubt remained about Shakira's status as the queen of Latin pop, it was firmly extinguished on Thursday night in New York. The Colombian singer swept the board at this year's Latin Grammies, taking home four of the main trophies, including the gongs for best album and best female vocalist.



The diminutive star didn't disappoint fans gathered in the Big Apple's famous Madison Square Garden venue, delivering a characteristically sensual rendition of her new single La Tortura. "It has been a magical night," confessed the 29-year-old performer, before delivering some words of support to the many immigrants in the US who are currently campaigning for legal status. "All the Latinos here, just as I did back then, have a dream," she said. "All they need is a visa for a dream."

Puerto Rican star Ricky Martin, who is well-known for his commitment to good causes, showed off his vocal talents on the stage, before speaking out about the issue of human trafficking.

A leading figure in the fight against child exploitation, the 34-year-old also came to the defence of Madonna, whose recent adoption of a Malawian baby has sparked a media furore. "I know Madonna as a mother, and she's exemplary," he said. "The love she gives her kids is a dream, and I know that her heart is big enough to adopt not just one child but to adopt 20."