Look Out Britney!

IF you don't already know who Shakira is, you will soon.The comely, 24-year-old Colombian has been a star in her own country since she was 13.That was when she inspired countryman Gabriel Garcia Marquez - one of the most important authors of the 20th century - to write:

"No one can sing or dance like [Shakira] . . . with such an innocent sensuality, one that seems to be of her own invention." High praise from the Nobel laureate.

Music writers and critics here in the States will get their chance when she releases her first English language album on Tuesday.

The album should win over American fans, since Shakira has intimate knowledge of pop and rock.

"I was born in Colombia, but I listen to bands like Led Zeppelin, the Cure, the Police, The Beatles and Nirvana," she said.

Still, to make her debut - "Laundry Service" - in English, she became fluent enough to write all of the songs herself.

When asked about love, the singer, who recently became engaged to Antonio de la Rua (the son of Argentinian president Fernando de la Rua), she said: "Being in love makes my life a life. It makes me feel so alive."

Shakira is a vivacious, very talented and incredibly beautiful a superstar in any language. Watch out, Britney, there's a new girl in town.

Written by By DAN AQUILANTE 

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