It was announced yesterday, Sept. 27, that Latin music superstar Shakira is being awarded as the Latin Recording Academy’s 2011 Person of the Year. She is receiving the high honor in recognition of her “renowned artistic and philanthropic contributions” at a tribute dinner and celebrity concert on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

“We are honored to pay homage to this dynamic, socially conscious woman whose illustrious career has touched so many people around the world, both musically and personally,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.

The star-studded awards evening will feature some of her songs being performed by her friends and other notable artists. The Colombian star is the youngest person to earn the coveted distinction at 34 and joins other luminaries, including Placido Domingo, Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan, Gilberto Gil, Julio Iglesias, and Ricky Martin.

“It is truly an honor to be in the company of some of the greatest artists and legends of Latin music,” said Shakira.

It is hardly a surprise that Shakira is receiving this award – the seven-time Latin Grammy winner and two-time Grammy winner is currently being nominated for three Latin Grammys, one of which is Album of the Year. She was recently chosen as one of Latina magazine’s “15 Latinas We Love” for their 15^th anniversary issue and her philanthropic Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation) is doing so much to support impoverished children.

Additionally, a major portion of the net proceeds from the gala in November will benefit both her foundation and the Latin Recording Academy’s Latin GRAMMY in the Schools educational efforts.

The 12th Annual Tribute Gala will take place on Nov. 9 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas as part of this year’s Latin GRAMMY Week celebration and will be broadcast live on the Univision network on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central.

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets. To see the entire Haute 100 Miami list, click here.