Sakira had the honor with French Culture Medal: Bieber and Rihana another category

The Colombian singer Shakira was awarded the French culture medal in Cannes, France for her contribution to the world of fine arts on Jan 28. Before hitting the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes,France on Saturday, French minister of culture, Frederic Mitterand in a formal ceremony handed the medal over.

"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.

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. The singer is the first Colombian star to receive the award. The weekend proved to be a huge win for the star, who nabbed the NRJ Female Award of Honor at the evening's awards show.

Justin Bieber took home the male version of the prize and Rihanna was named best international female. Adele won two awards, taking home international revelation of the year and international song of the year for Someone Like You.