On Saturday, January 28, during a ceremony organized on the occasion of the 46th International Record and Music Publishing Market (Midem) in Cannes, Shakira and Patricia Kaas were awarded the Order of Arts and Letters by the Minister of Culture, Frédéric Mitterrand.
In a lounge at the Hotel Majestic, the two singers received the insignia of a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.
“Patricia made her first television appearance with me. From the very first moment, it was an incredibly emotional moment. When Patricia began to sing, there was a sort of electric charge throughout the audience and we all thought that this girl was going to have an extraordinary career,” Frédéric Mitterrand recalled.
An ambassador of “French-style blues” and a “determined personality” with “exceptional influence on all continents,” according to the minister’s speech, Patricia Kaas was flattered to receive this “decoration that comes from the country. I feel there is a part of love,” she noted. In 2012, Patricia Kaas will pay homage to Edith Piaf in a “comedy-recital.”
“Three, two, one, dance or die, an opening by Shakira, it energizes and it feels good,” expressed Frédéric Mitterrand. “Shakira: it’s artfully practiced breathtaking hip moves. It’s seducing during a clip with Rafael Nadal. It’s skillfully handling the belly dance, tango, merengue. Dear Shakira, you bring joy to everyone because with your generosity, your charm, you are not simply a star for everyone, you are a star for each of us. You bring together people who wouldn’t know each other but all share with the idea of Shakira a moment of joy and happiness. You have incredible talent. You bring together people from different worlds and offer them something so fragile and rare, which is gaiety and the feeling of being better,” he told her sincerely before presenting her, “with honor and gratitude,” the insignia of a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.
“I feel very honored to receive this distinction. France has shared with the world a unique cultural and historical heritage. I have always felt a special connection with France. My heart is also French. Thank you,” said Shakira, in French.
