Shakira: Fame isn't easy

Shakira insists her rise to stardom hasn't been a "path of roses".

The Columbian singer and Usher join returning judges Adam Levine and Blake Shelton on The Voice USA's panel this series.

Shakira has hinted she will be an understanding mentor to the wannabe singers on the show as she knows what it's like to be the underdog.

"I started out really, really young," she explained in a video interview with ET Online. "I've been doing this for 25 years, and it hasn't been a path of roses. I know what it's like to feel that fear and the need of affirmation and appreciation. To build confidence in yourself is the toughest thing."

Shakira insists the contestants on the show will benefit from tough love though. The 36-year-old star thinks adversity is a great experience for any artist as it strengthens your character.

"When you go through difficulties, you value and appreciate the good moments," she added.

Shakira and Usher have taken the place of Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green as panellists on the TV talent competition. NBC network chairman Robert Greenblatt revealed he was "thrilled" to welcome the two stars to the show in a statement at the end of last year.
"The addition of these popular iconic artists continues the tradition established by Christina, Cee Lo, Adam and Blake.

Doing two back-to-back cycles of this show requires a tremendous amount of time, and we are happy to accommodate the commitments made by Christina and Cee Lo. The participants on our show benefit from our coaches' expertise and their continued success in the music business allows for significant new contributions to the contestants when they return."

Shakira recently became a first time mother after her and boyfriend Gerard Piqué welcomed their son Milan Piqué Mebarak into the world earlier this year.