Shakira has postponed the first night of her tour on "doctor’s orders" after "straining her vocal cords" in rehearsals.
The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ hitmaker was due start her ‘El Dorado World Tour’ in Koln, Germany on Wednesday night (08.11.17), but has been forced to pull out of the opening night to avoid further damaging her voice.
The 40-year-old star is hoping to recover in time to perform in Paris on November 10, and whilst she is devastated that she had to cancel the show she wants to make sure she can give "everything she has got" at her shows for her fans.
Promoters Live Nation are working to reschedule the cancelled concert at the Lanxess Arena and Shakira is expected to return to the stage in Paris, should she get the "green light" from her doctors.
In a statement to her fans posted on Instagram, Shakria wrote: "To my German fans, during these last few days of rehearsals I have unfortunately strained my vocal cords and doctors have ordered me to go on vocal rest to avoid any greater damage that could keep me from performing.
I’m devastated to have to miss our first show on November 8th in Koln. I love my German fans so much and was looking forward to sharing my first show with you.
As much as it pains me, I know I need to heed the advice of my doctors and recover so I can give you all everything I’ve got once I’m on the road and not risk any further injury.
The Live Nation team is working hard to find a new date for me to come back and share this exciting show with you which I feel is going to be my best one yet.
I am focusing on recovering now to be able to kick off on November 10th in Paris, as soon as I get the green light from my doctors.
Thanks as always from the bottom of my heart for all the support and love you’ve shown me heading into this tour.
I hope to make it worth the wait and to see you all very soon!
Shak (sic)"