Shakira at nearly 50: desire, criticism, and the noise of Piqué

Shakira nears 50 and her appeal sparks debate

What does Shakira have at this point that her physique still ignites reactions? The singer is approaching half a century and, far from fading, her figure draws both praise and criticism in equal measure. Some argue she has improved with age; others cannot forgive her voice. And in the middle, the noise of the Piqué universe does not help to focus the conversation.

Nearly fifty and better, according to some; unbearable, according to others

The free-for-all of opinions is as thick as it is predictable. Some claim that time has treated her well and that her appeal has grown — literally, "she has been improving with age." On the opposite side, aesthetic demands latch onto specific antiestéticatures, and some find her voice unbearable, that "guttural" tone that some consider a signature and others, torture.

The second criticism is less physical but equally categorical: not everything in life revolves around desire. In that reading, reducing an artist of her trajectory to her body is a short-sighted endeavor that says more about the observer than about her.

Piqué, the man who muddies the conversation

When Gerard Piqué appears, the conversation gets stuck in the mud. The caricature of the former footballer — with nuances of masculinity, football, and territorial rivalries — diverts any analysis about her. The result is a background noise that turns a question about public image into a petty feud.

Meanwhile, Shakira continues as she is: at nearly fifty, half the world opining on her body and a legion ready to defend or bury her. The only fruta fact is that no one needs her to cash in. Sens sells, but so does controversy.