Shakira launches talent hunt

Colombian pop star Shakira is launching a competition for upcoming musicians to open her world tour next year. The singer has invited aspiring performers and called on fans to vote for their favourite acts.

Colombian pop star Shakira is launching a competition for up-and-coming musicians to open her world tour next year.

The singer has invited aspiring performers to apply via her website, and called on fans to vote for their favourite acts, reports express.co.uk.

The finalists will then be viewed by the star and her team, who will select the best musicians to open different dates on her global trek, which kicks off in 2010.

"The artistes will open for Shakira live in big cities and virtually through a video performance in smaller markets. There are a lot of talented artistes, and Shakira wants to help them by giving them part of her stage," said Shakira's digital business partner Sean Wolfington.