Shakira Accepts Billboard’s ‘Woman of the Year’ Award in a Black Minidress with a Thigh Cutout

Shakira is the woman of the year.

The singer accepted the “Mujer del Año” or “Woman of the Year” award at Billboard’s Latin Women in Music event Saturday, and gave a touching speech. Maluma presented her with the award.

“It doesn’t matter so much if someone is faithful or not; what really matters is if you continue to be faithful to yourself,” she said, alluding to her breakup from longtime partner and father of her children Gerard Piqué.

The two split up last year, after nearly 12 years together, following reports the professional soccer player was unfaithful. Soon after, he went public with his new girlfriend, and Shakira released three chart-topping hits about the split.

“There comes a time in every woman’s life when she no longer depends on someone to love or accept herself as she is. The search for the other is replaced by the search for oneself when the desire to be perfect is replaced by the desire to be authentic,” Shakira continued in her speech. “Women are much stronger than we think. We are braver than we think we are. I think we are also more independent than we were taught to be.”

The “Monotonía” singer concluded her speech by saying how music has helped her get through the most difficult times in her life, including her major breakup. “When I felt most lost, it was music that put me on the path back to myself,” she said.

To accept her award at the music event held at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida, Shakira wore a striking little black dress. The strapless mini featured two built-in leather belts—at the top and bottom—and a big thigh cutout. The singer styled the piece with black pointed-toe heels with several buckled straps. She additionally accessorized with gold jewelry, wore natural makeup and black eyeliner, and had her hair down in waves.