In late 2017, Colombian superstar Shakira faced what she described as the “darkest moment” of her life: a severe hemorrhage on her right vocal cord. This injury not only forced the postponement of the highly anticipated El Dorado World Tour but also brought a devastating prognosis. Doctors recommended immediate surgery, warning the global artist risked losing her signature voice forever.

The diagnosis came toward the end of October 2017, just as Shakira was in the final stages of rehearsing for her sixth world tour. The injury, which caused a “strange hoarseness” that impeded her singing, was severe enough to halt the tour’s original November start date. The inability to sing, an ability she felt was “so inherent in my nature,” plunged the star into a deep depression, making it unbearable to get out of bed at times. For periods, the singer was forced into complete vocal rest and had to communicate with her partner, Gerard Piqué, and her young sons using sign language. Her children were too young to read notes, adding to the silent struggle.

Instead of immediately opting for the high-risk surgery recommended by specialists, Shakira embarked on a path focused on alternative therapies and inner strength. She devoted herself to an intense regimen of meditation, therapy, and prayer. She even sought what she called a “divine intervention,” traveling to Lourdes for holy water. What followed was a recovery she and her family deemed “a miracle.”

Against medical predictions, Shakira’s vocal cord healed naturally, without the need for an operation. Her voice restored, she was able to relaunch the tour. The El Dorado World Tour, postponed for seven months, officially kicked off on June 3, 2018, in Hamburg, Germany, and concluded later that year. The tour, encompassing 54 shows across Europe, North America, and Latin America, was a massive commercial success. It drew over 900,000 attendees and generated an estimated $75 million in gross revenue.

The concerts were a powerful celebration of her career, featuring greatest hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever,” alongside smash hits from the El Dorado album. Shakira has repeatedly called the El Dorado World Tour the most important tour of her life. The significance was not just for the musical performance, but for the profound personal obstacle she overcame to be on stage. The experience, she noted, fundamentally changed her approach to performing. It shifted the focus from seeking affirmation to simply feeling “the pleasure of singing.”

The triumphant return solidified her status as a resilient global icon. The tour was later documented in the concert film Shakira in Concert: El Dorado World Tour. This film was released in 2019 and featured footage predominantly from her acclaimed performance at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The whole ordeal stands as a powerful narrative of faith, determination, and professional dedication. It demonstrates how the darkest moments can lead to a miraculous reawakening of one’s core identity.