France honours Colombian singer Shakira

Shakira is the first Colombian to have been given the award

Shakira has received the French culture medal in Cannes for her contribution to the world of fine arts.

The Colombian singer of hit single Hips Don't Lie was presented with the honour by French minister of culture, Frederic Mitterand, on Saturday.

"I am so humbled to receive this honour in a country like France that has shared an important cultural legacy with the rest of the world," she said.

Shakira was in Cannes to open the NRJ Music Awards.

She performed her hit, Je L'Aime A Mourir.

Previous recipients of the French cultural honour, titled Chevalier, De L'Order des Arts et des Lettres, are poet TS Eliot, director Clint Eastwood and actor George Clooney.

Shakira also won the NRJ award of honour, and Justin Bieber took home the male version of the prize.

Adele won two awards, taking home international revelation of the year and international song of the year for Someone Like You.

Rihanna was named best international female.