Shakira Launches European Tour in Spain After Tax Dispute Victory

Shakira launched her highly anticipated "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour" in Spain on Friday night, performing for a crowd of 55,000 at the specially constructed Estadio Shakira in Madrid. This concert marked her first performance in the Spanish capital in eight years.

The singer, 49, appeared in high spirits as she delivered a two-hour set featuring hits such as "Hips Don't Lie," "Girl Like Me," and "Te Felicito." The evening saw multiple costume changes, including a vibrant purple sequin minidress, a paisley pattern jumpsuit, and a skintight catsuit for her performance of "She Wolf."

"I can’t believe I’m here. It all feels like a dream," Shakira told the audience, expressing her gratitude for their continued support. "Having you here again tonight, you don’t know how happy it makes me because it’s proof of the love and affection you’ve given me all these years."

This return to the stage follows a significant legal victory for the artist. Four months prior, Shakira was awarded a €55 million refund from the Spanish government after an extensive tax fraud case concluded. She had been cleared of allegations concerning a 2011 tax return.

Shakira had previously acknowledged six tax fraud charges in 2023, agreeing to a suspended three-year prison sentence and a €7.3 million fine as part of a plea deal. These admissions related to her tax returns for 2012, 2013, and 2014.

However, in May, the Audiencia Nacional Court in Madrid ruled in her favor regarding the 2011 tax return. The court stated that tax authorities failed to prove Shakira had spent the minimum 183 days in Spain during 2011, which would have made her liable for taxes there. The ruling indicated her stay amounted to 163 days and that the center of her economic interests was not in Spain.

Following her split from Gerard Piqué, Shakira relocated to Miami in 2023 with her two children. She had previously criticized the Spanish Treasury, stating that the prolonged legal process had unfairly targeted her reputation. In the wake of her legal victory, she shared lyrics from Rihanna's song "Bitch Better Have My Money" on social media, a clear reference to her substantial refund.