If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the names Shakira and Trevor Noah pop up in the same sentence. It’s one of those weird celebrity pairings that feels like it shouldn't exist but somehow does. Fans love a good mystery. Are they dating? Did they have a falling out?
Honestly, the truth is way more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no."
They have history. But it’s not the romantic, sunset-walks-in-Barcelona kind of history you might be imagining. It’s actually a mix of a very famous car ride from years ago and a really awkward, controversial moment at the 2025 Grammy Awards that left half the internet fuming.
That Carpool Karaoke Moment
Let’s go back to 2017. Before the messy breakup with Gerard Piqué. Before Trevor left The Daily Show. The two of them filmed an episode of Carpool Karaoke: The Series in Barcelona.
It was genuinely fun.
They were driving around, screaming the lyrics to "Zombie" by The Cranberries and vibing to Wu-Tang Clan. You could tell they actually liked each other's company. Trevor was fanboying a little bit, and Shakira seemed totally relaxed. For years, this was the primary "link" between them. It was the "remember when they were besties?" era.
But things changed. Fast.
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The 2025 Grammys Controversy
The vibes shifted significantly on February 2, 2025. Trevor Noah was hosting the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, and Shakira was in the building. She’s a legend. Three Grammys. Global icon.
Then Trevor made the joke.
During his opening monologue, he introduced her by saying, "The greatest thing out of Colombia that isn't a Class A felony."
Ouch.
The room went quiet. Like, pin-drop quiet. You could practically see the cringe on the faces of the artists in the front row. Chappell Roan was spotted looking visibly uncomfortable. It wasn't just a bad joke; it was a punchline that leaned on really tired, harmful stereotypes about Colombia and the drug trade.
People were pissed.
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On X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, fans blasted Trevor. They pointed out that making "felony" jokes about a Colombian woman while the US was going through massive political debates about immigration and deportations was, at best, tone-deaf. It felt punch-down.
Why the joke flopped so hard
- Context matters: In 2025, the political climate regarding Latin American immigrants was incredibly tense.
- The Birthday factor: It was actually Shakira’s birthday that night. Imagine getting roasted for your country’s criminal history on your birthday.
- Outdated tropes: Colombians have been trying to move past the "Narcos" narrative for decades. Having a global platform like the Grammys reinforce it felt like a step backward.
Are They Dating?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Definitely not.
Since her split from Piqué, Shakira has been linked to everyone from Tom Cruise (who she reportedly asked to stop flirting with her) to Lewis Hamilton and even Lucien Laviscount. Most recently, in late 2025, she was spotted having dinner in San Diego with her long-ago ex, Antonio de la Rúa.
Trevor Noah, on the other hand, has kept his private life pretty locked down since his relationship with Minka Kelly ended.
There is zero evidence of a romance between Shakira and Trevor Noah. If anything, the fallout from the Grammys probably pushed them further apart. You don’t usually go on a date with the guy who just implied your home country is mostly known for felonies.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People often mistake "professional chemistry" for "romantic interest." Just because they had a blast singing 90s rock in a car doesn't mean they were ever a thing. The internet loves to ship people, but this was always a professional friendship that hit a massive speed bump.
Shakira is focused on her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" world tour and her kids. She’s in her "rebirth" era. Trevor is busy with stand-up and hosting gigs.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re following this story, here’s how to stay grounded in the facts:
- Check the Date: Most of the "dating" rumors are based on old 2017 clips being recirculated as "new" on TikTok. Check the timestamps.
- Separate the Art from the Host: You can still enjoy Trevor’s comedy and Shakira’s music while acknowledging that the 2025 Grammy interaction was a disaster.
- Follow Primary Sources: If you want the real scoop on Shakira’s life, watch her interviews or her official social media. She’s been very vocal about her journey through heartbreak and her pride in her Colombian heritage.
The relationship between these two is a perfect example of how one "humorous" comment can totally redefine a public friendship. It’s a reminder that even for global superstars, words have weight.
Next Steps for You: If you want to understand more about the cultural impact of that Grammy night, you should look into the responses from Colombian creators on social media. Their perspectives give a lot of weight to why that specific joke caused such a stir in 2025.