In fact, it is looking to the future—and her sons Milan, 9, and Sasha, 7, whom she shares with ex Gerard Piqué—that helped the "Hips Don't Lie" singer come to her decision. 

"I need to move past the stress and emotional toll of the last several years and focus on the things I love - my kids and all the opportunities to come in my career," she added, "including my upcoming world tour and my new album, both of which I am extremely excited about. I admire tremendously those who have fought these injustices to the end, but for me, today, winning is getting my time back for my kids and my career."

This tax fraud case hinged on where Shakira spent the majority of her time between 2012 and 2014—either her residence in Spain, where she was living at the time with Gerard, or in her residence in the Bahamas.

Shakira's decision to accept the deal for these charges avoids a longer trial, during which over 100 witnesses were set to testify, according to AP.