Legendary Latina diva Gloria Estefan sat down with Oprah to discuss her illustrious career, her hardships and the tragic accident that nearly left her paralyzed. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Estefan spoke with Oprah on Oprah's interview show "Oprah's Next Chapter" on the OWN network. Oprah recently interviewed other top celebrities like Rihanna, Usher and Fergie on the show.
Seven-time Grammy Award winner Estefan talked with Oprah over a lunch of Cuban cuisine at her home in Vero Beach, Florida. Estefan shared deeply personal information, such as growing up as a Cuban refugee and trying to break into the mainstream music business as a Latina singer. Estefan also discussed how she paved the way for the careers of Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. The pioneering artist not only broke ground to bring Latin music into the mainstream, but also helped guide the music careers for younger Latino artists.
Estefan discussedhow she fought music label executives to give Shakira a shot at making a completely English-language album. Estefan knew that it was the only way the Colombian songstress could force her way into the mainstream American music scene.
"They wanted her just to throw a couple of songs in English on a Latin record, and I fought hard," Estefan said. "I said, 'Listen. This is her shot. You can't do it halfway, you know'? An American audience is not gonna get a record that's mostly Spanish because there's a couple of English cuts on it. They're gonna want to hear the whole thing. This is gonna work. I fought hard for her. Fought hard. And she sold like 13 million of that album."
The Cuban singer sold 100 million albums of her own, but almost lost it all in a horrific bus crash in March 1990 on a Pennsylvania highway. The accident left her almost paralyzed, and she endured a long, arduous recovery. According to The Daily Mail, she had titanium rods inserted into her back to heal her broken vertebrae and had to relearn how to walk. Estefan eventually made a full recovery, proving that her persevering spirit is unwavering.
Estefan also proved to Oprah that at 55 years old, she is still going strong. Estefan has a Broadway musical in the works that she is creating with her husband Emilio that will be based off her journey from young Cuban emigre to international superstar. Estefan also has a stake in the Miami Dolphins NFL football team.
The interview will air on Aug. 4 at 9 p.m. on OWN.
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