Shakira and Tom Cruise: the photos no one expected

Shakira has been in the news a lot lately, and the weekend of May 7th brought a sharp peak of interest in the singer. She received the 'Woman of the Year' award from Billboard magazine and threw another dart at Piqué during her acceptance speech. But most remarkably, Shakira had an unexpected rendez-vous with... Tom Cruise.

When nobody expected it, Shakira made an appearance with Tom Cruise at the Miami Formuka 1 Grand Prix on Sunday May 7th. Local media reported that the two stars arrived together at the international racetrack and that they seemed to be very close.

The Colombian singer surprised both the people on the track and the public that saw the photos by parading around the racetrack with the Hollywood star. They also shared a skybox together. Photos, videos, and gifs of the couple went viral immediately.

Shakira was accompanied by her two children, Milan and Sasha, who appeared to be comfortable in the presence of Tom Cruise.

Through Tik Tok, the user @Juliettedays shared a video of Shakira and Tom Cruise talking peacefully in the box while Milan approached the couple to share a moment with them.

For her part, through her social media, Shakira did not show anything about her meeting with Tom Cruise. She did boast this picture of her together with Italian designer Riccardo Tisci.

Despite her divorce and legal problems, Shakira appears to be living one of her best moments so far. On the same weekend of the Grand Prix, she was recognized as 'Woman of the Year' in Billboard magazine's 'Women in Latin Music' awards.

A month after taking the flight to Miami to resume her life as a divorced woman from Gerard Piqué, Shakira seems to be regaining the confidence to attend public events. She may even open herself up for love...

After receiving the award, the Colombian sent an emotional message: "I dedicate the award to my mother, to single mothers, and more than celebrating the woman of the year, let's celebrate the year of the woman."

Shakira also referred to her personal life: "There comes a time in life when we change the search for the other, for the search for oneself. It no longer matters so much if someone is faithful to you or not. What really matters is if you continue to be true to yourself. When I felt most lost, it was the music that put me on the path back to myself."

It was a comment that of course referred to her ex Piqué, who had left her for another woman. It also showed the catharsis that the Colombian singer experienced in her recent songs about the breakup.

"It is a year in which I have realized that women are much stronger than we think. We are braver than we think we are. I believe that we are also more independent than we were taught to be."

"What woman hasn’t gone through a time when, for example, she feels like nothing if she doesn't seek the attention or affection or approval of the other? [When] she has forgotten herself?" Shakira asked rhetorically. "It has happened to me more than once," she acknowledged without fear of criticism.

Of course, the sincerity and transparency with which Shakira has shown herself in recent months after her separation has been a reason for fans and colleagues in the media to show solidarity with the singer.

Fellow Colombian Maluma, in charge of presenting the award to Shakira, was the first to express his affection and admiration. "Today I witness Shakira writing her songs from the heart and her experiences," he said.

"This year she knew how to turn adversity into art," Maluma said, referring to Shakira's breakup songs. "[She] broke the story with her lyrics creating what is now a female anthem."

Mexican singer Thalía posed happily during the gala dinner and later dedicated these words of affection for Shakira: "My Shak!!! How beautiful to hug you again. And what a pleasure to celebrate with you and our colleagues in the music industry this important day. What a powerful night! I love you, beautiful friend, see you soon."

We have no doubt that Shakira will give a lot to talk about in the not-too-distant future. Yet, for now, the million-dollar question is: will the news be about a new love interest - Tom Cruise? - or will she have another musical success?