2024 Latin Women In Music
La India received the Billboard Latin Women in Music Pioneer award and shined not only with a truly powerful performance, but with a speech full of generosity and gratitude for those who believed in her and supported her in her beginnings, and those who continue to give her new opportunities.
Accompanied by a large orchestra mostly made up of women, and with producer Sergio George — one of her first mentors — on the piano, the “Princess of Salsa” brought all her power and energy to the stage, reminding us why her “godmother” Celia Cruz gave her the nickname “The Princess of Salsa.”
In a spectacular white suit with sequins, she began singing the classic “Ese Hombre” and then performed, along with Luis Figueroa, her hit originally recorded with Marc Anthony “Vivir lo Nuestro.” With obvious joy and passion for her craft, she sang and danced smiling, infecting everyone with her energy.
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Moments later, she received the Pioneer award from her friend, actress Maripily Rivera.
“First of all, I want to thank God for creating us and music. I want to thank Billboard for always being here by my side since I was very young,” she said excitedly, thanking a series of key figures in her career, including her manager, as well as producer Sergio George and the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz.
La India performs in the special Billboard Latin Women in Music, on June 8, 2024, at the Telemundo Center, in Miami.
John Parra/TELEMUNDO
“I know that from heaven, she is proud of me. And I dedicate this to her and her ‘Little Cotton Head,’ my godfather Pedro Knight,” she said, pointing up with a smile. Also, “I would like to thank Gloria Estefan for inspiring us,” she added.
Since the release of her first album, Dicen Que Soy in 1994, La India inspired the beginning of a new era and sound for the salsa genre, representing female empowerment and becoming a voice for Latin women.
In its second annual edition, Billboard Mujeres en la Música also honored Karol G as Woman of the Year, Gloria Estefan as Legend, La India as Pioneer, Ángela Aguilar with the Musical Dynasty Award, Camila Cabello with the Global Impact award, Kany García as Spirit of Change and Kali Uchis as Rising Star.
In addition to airing on Telemundo on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET, the ceremony is also available on the Telemundo app and Peacock.
Gloria Estefan was the most applauded of the night when she received the Legend award at the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 gala, and she did so at the hands of her husband, the visionary music producer Emilio Estefan, who surprised her as the presenter of the recognition and gave a moving introductory speech.
“It’s the first time in our career that I’ve given an award to Gloria, but when they told me to do it, I had to do it because I’m honestly so proud of you,” he said with evident admiration for the singer and songwriter, who started while she was still a teenager as part of her group Miami Sound Machine. “We had a sound that was different, and it was so difficult because no one believed in us,” Emilio recalled, noting that together they reached “the most important corners of the world” as young Cuban immigrants.
“Receiving this award is more than anything to let a new generation know that, even though we come from other countries, we have to maintain our culture, we have to maintain our nationality and be proud of where we come from. That’s what made Miami Sound Machine famous. But tonight, more than anything, is to celebrate our union of more than 45 years,” he added to the cheers of the audience, who asked for “kiss, kiss” and became even more excited when the couple joined their lips in a tender moment.
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Amid shouts of “Glory,” the superstar accepted the honor with joy and gratitude, and said how at 17 she went to a friend’s wedding where an orchestra was playing in which a young man who “had incredible charisma” played the accordion. It turns out that he — Emilio — had already heard her sing at a mutual friend’s house and invited her to perform a couple of songs with them.
“I sang ‘Sabor a Mi’ and ‘Tú Me Acostumbraste,’ and of course, everyone at the wedding had heard me sing since I was a little girl and they gave me an impressive ovation, which obviously impressed him,” she said making those present laugh. “And that night he told me, ‘You know, I would love for you to join the group because there is no group that has a woman at the front.’ How things have changed!” Gloria exclaimed.
“To all the queens who are sharing this night with me, I adore each one of you. I am very proud every time I see a woman succeed, it fills my heart with joy and happiness. Thank you, Billboard, for always being there through everything my career. Thank you Leila [Cobo] for creating this impressive way to celebrate the women that we have to celebrate ourselves whenever we can,” she concluded.
Since rising to stardom in the ’80s as the lead vocalist of Miami Sound Machine alongside Emilio, Gloria Estefan has helped infuse Latin flavor into English-language pop music, breaking barriers with hits like “Conga” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” and singing in parallel in Spanish.
On the Billboard charts, she has placed 29 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, three of them at No. 1 (“Anything for You” in 1988, “Don’t Wanna Lose You” in 1989, and “Coming Out of the Dark ” in 1991); and 30 songs on Hot Latin Songs, 15 of which reached the top (from “No Me Vuelvo a Enamorar” in 1986 to “Hotel Nacional” in 2012). Her first Spanish-language album, Mi Tierra (1993), spent an impressive 58 weeks atop Top Latin Albums and earned her the first of her three Grammy Awards.
Juliana Velásquez, Elena Rose, and Gale during their tribute to Gloria Estefan at the Billboard Latin Women in Music gala at the Telemundo Center in Miami, on June 8, 2024.
John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Before receiving the Legend award, Estefan was honored by three emerging Latin American singers and songwriters — Venezuelan Elena Rose, Puerto Rican GALE and Colombian Juliana Velásquez — who performed for her a beautiful version of “Mi Tierra” accompanied by an orchestra entirely composed by women. From their seats, Gloria and Emilio did not stop smiling with emotion, and in the end, they were rewarded with a standing ovation.
In its second annual edition, Billboard Latin Women In Music also honored Karol G as Woman of the Year, Gloria Estefan as Legend, La India as Pioneer, Ana Bárbara with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Ángela Aguilar with the Musical Dynasty award, Camila Cabello for Global Impact and Kali Uchis as Rising Star.
The ceremony is airing on Telemundo and streaming live on the Telemundo app and Peacock.
At only 20 years old, Ángela Aguilar received the Musical Dynasty award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music gala for continuing the legacy of an emblematic family in Mexican music that includes her father, Pepe Aguilar, and her grandparents Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre.
After a sublime performance of an old song of her father’s, “Me Vas a Extrañar,” accompanied only by the piano of Arthur Hanlon, the Mexican star – in a romantic and floaty white dress with blue flowers – was surprised by her dad, who from Japan sent a video message expressing the great pride he feels for his daughter.
“A lot of thoughts come to mind from when she was little, two and a half years old when I started training her, I started teaching her how to sing, when I started teaching her the craft that my parents taught me and that I am sure that she will follow it just as I have followed it,” said Pepe Aguilar. “I think they are people who lead and continue to lead the Aguilar dynasty, like her brother [Leonardo], in a very dignified way. Congratulations daughter.”
Moved and with a maturity beyond her years, Ángela expressed feeling “a great relief and a great privilege” to be part of a family that has already experienced everything she is preparing to experience.
“I feel like they grab me, hug me, and take care of me and lead me on the right path. And not only with words but with actions,” she expressed with aplomb. “With my grandmother I learned to be a good woman, with my mother I learned to always express myself. My father taught me that what you don’t know how to say with words you know how to sing. I am very grateful to be able to receive this because I know that this is not because of me, but it is due to generations of sweat in the throat, sleepless nights, and composed melodies.
“More than anything, I want to thank the people who have supported me, because between this great legacy and this great last name, I am still trying to find who I am among all of it,” she concluded.
In its second annual edition, Billboard Mujeres en la Música also honored Karol G as Woman of the Year, Gloria Estefan as Legend, La India as Pioneer, Ángela Aguilar with the Musical Dynasty Award, Camila Cabello with the Global Impact award, Kany García as Spirit of Change and Kali Uchis as Rising Star.
In addition to airing on Telemundo on Sunday, the ceremony is also available on the Telemundo app and Peacock.
The 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music Awards are set to air at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday (June 9) via Telemundo.
This year’s honorees include: Gloria Estefan (Legend Award), La India (Pioneer Award), Ana Bárbara (Lifetime Achievement Award), Kany García (Spirit of Hope Award), Kali Uchis (Rising Star Award), Ángela Aguilar (Musical Dynasty Award), Camila Cabello (Global Impact Award) and Woman of the Year Karol G.
Billboard caught up with some of the star-studded night’s guests to share a sneak peek of what fans can expect from their performances at the ceremony.
Ana Bárbara: “It’s a medley of some of the hits that my fans have made possible, because they are not mine — they are part of the people, really. I will give this to them with lots of love, and thank you, Billboard, for thinking of this Mexican woman for this grand moment.”
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Kali Uchis: “This last month and a half has been a blur. I’ve been pretty tired, but I was just excited to come and be honored. I’m going to do a performance that’s stripped back, really jazzy. It’s going to be a lot of fun and very freestyle.”
Kany Garcia: “I’m going to sing ‘García’ and ‘Te Lo Agradezco.’ I’m happy because when you have the opportunity to do two songs — one with the illusion of what is coming and that just launched, and another that allows you to have that retrospective moment that has brought you a lot of wonderful things— it’s like a perfect moment.
María José: “I’m going to premiere my new single, ‘Mi Rey, Mi Santo,’ with a composition by Ana Bárbara, and also sing it as a duet with her. Imagine on this day that we are giving her a special award for her career. I am giving it to her and suddenly having this premiere with her, on this night. It’s triple special.”
Julianna: “I am going to participate in the tribute of who I believe is one of the most incredible artists that the world of music has had in the world. I am deeply happy to sing a song that is a Latin American anthem. I admire Gloria Estefan’s ability to be integral and her tenacity to get up as many times as necessary to continue doing what she loved.”
From Gloria Estefan to Kali Uchis and Ana Bárbara, Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 honorees walked the red carpet ahead of the music special, set to air exclusively on Telemundo on Sunday (June 9) at 9 p.m. ET. This year, Karol G will be celebrated as Woman of the Year; Gloria Estefan will receive […]
The second annual Billboard Latin Women in Music is just around the corner. The two-hour music special — where superstars such as Karol G, Kali Uchis, Gloria Estefan and many more will be honored — is set to air exclusively on Telemundo on Sunday (June 9) at 9 p.m. ET. The Billboard Latin Women in Music franchise […]
Gloria Estefan can do it all — from breaking molds in the music industry to doing her own laundry, literally. And she knows it.
It’s something she learned from the biggest “legends” in her life: her grandmother Consuelo and her mother Gloria Fajardo, whose life circumstances forced them to take the reins and provide for their family. “I grew up with two women who did everything,” Estefan says. “So for me there was never the question [of], ‘Well, as a woman, can I do this?’ Because the women in my life did it all.”
Since rising to stardom in the 1980s as the lead vocalist for the Miami Sound Machine — alongside her husband, visionary producer Emilio Estefan — Gloria Estefan has helped infuse Latin flavor into English-language pop music, breaking barriers with hits like “Conga” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” and singing at the same time en Español.
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On the Billboard charts, she has placed 29 songs on the Hot 100, including three No. 1 hits (“Anything For You” in 1988, “Don’t Wanna Lose You” in 1989 and “Coming Out of the Dark ” in 1991) — as well as 30 hits on Hot Latin Songs, 15 of which reached the top spot (from “No Me Vuelvo A Enamorar” in 1986 to “Hotel Nacional” in 2012). Her first full-length album in Spanish, Mi Tierra (1993), spent a whopping 58 weeks at the summit of Top Latin Albums, and won her first of three Grammy Awards.
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This weekend, the Cuban-American superstar — who only six months ago became the first ever Latina artist to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame — will receive the Legend award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music gala in Miami.
You are a music icon and a legend. What many may not know is how down to earth you are. I remember I interviewed you a few years ago over the phone and you apologized for the noise of the washing machine — you said that you were doing laundry because you were going on a trip, and I confess I was impressed. I didn’t imagine that Gloria Estefan washed her own clothes.
Sometimes I have to, you know? [Laughs.] I am blessed to have staff at home who are really family — they have been with us for more than 30 years, and they pamper and spoil me a lot — but there come times when there are some things that you have to do yourself. And of course, I know how to do everything! And Emilio is the same too. Emilio starts cleaning because he is meticulous, he sprays water everywhere with the hose. It’s hilarious to watch.
How have you managed to stay so grounded despite all the fame and success?
You know what, I went through a lot as a child. Taking care of my dad [who had multiple sclerosis], trying to help my mother, who had everything left on her shoulders — raising her two daughters, helping my grandmother. My grandmother helped us too. I believe that when you have the example of knowing what’s really [worthwhile] in life, the things that have real value, which is health primarily, love, affection, family — and if it weren’t for my family I wouldn’t know where I’d be — that helps me a lot.
Also, I already had a son when we achieved great global success, and I was still a mother; I would take him on tour with me and he would see me on stage and see that part, but when I got off I was just a mom. Having family with you like that really keeps you grounded.
Who have been the female legends in your life, as a woman and as a musician?
My grandmother Consuelo, who came to this country at 57. She didn’t speak English. She grabbed my grandfather and told him, “This is what we’re going to do” — and she created a food business, with which she managed to buy her home and help us. She was an entrepreneurial woman who unfortunately was taken out of school in Cuba when she was 9, because it was the global Depression and she had many siblings and they had to help the family work to survive. She wanted to be a lawyer, she was born in 1905 — a woman in Cuba! She was brilliant. She was spiritual, someone who gave everything and helped many people.
My mother too. I grew up with two women who did everything, so for me there was never the question, “Well, as a woman, can I do this?” because the women in my life did it all. My father was sick, my grandfather too, so women had to take charge of everything.
And on a professional level, Celia Cruz was an inspiration for me — a woman whose humbleness, professionalism, love for what she did, for her people, for her fans, her family… I had the joy of being able to be her friend and share time with her, and she was a very big example for me. She was ageless on stage! For me, that is a legend, someone who really breaks all the molds that exist. That was Celia. So that is the triangle of women who have somehow left their mark on me in a thousand ways.
You’ve stayed active in music. Only last year, you released a Christmas album with your family and recorded the main track from the movie 80 For Brady (“Gonna Be You”). Now you’re writing a Broadway musical with your daughter Emily. You could easily retire and live off the royalties of your many hits. What keeps you going?
For me, it is a blessing and a privilege to be able to make music and in some way inspire others who listen to it; That is what I enjoy the most. Right now, we’re in the workshop of a musical that we have been working on for two years. It has been an inspiration to be part of the process and even more so working with my daughter, which is a very unique opportunity, and to put new songs in the hearts of people tied to an original musical based on the real life story of The Cateura Orchestra of Recycled Instruments [in Paraguay]. They are children who live next to a landfill, and the man who did all this created a music school and they have made instruments from waste and live off that landfill.
It is inspiring to see the triumph of the spirit of young people who, under the most difficult circumstances, have managed to send music to the world. This is not work for me. The luxury I have now is that I can choose the projects to which I say yes […] because now I also have a grandson and I don’t want to be away, I don’t want to miss those years that go by so quickly. So it’s a nice balance.
You have also remained active with the Gloria Estefan Foundation, which you created in 1997 in response to your accident (of 1990, when a truck crashed into your tour bus and left you temporarily paralyzed). What would you say has been the greatest satisfaction it has given you?
Being able to be of service to others. It is a privilege to be able to help in any way. We have many organizations that we support […] I also want to be part of the paralysis cure, because I was paralyzed and I was a positive story after that accident, so I want to help in any way. We help teachers a lot, because my mother was a teacher, so that they can help their children, because sometimes public schools don’t have the funds.
And a strange thing, but something I love: the Miami Beach Police can’t buy bulletproof vests for the police dogs, because they are very expensive and are not in the budget. So many of the dogs were dying — and I was able to buy vests and donate them, so they are more protected, because I also love animals. It is a nice way to be part of the community, be of service to others and find the best way to help.
Would you say that the accident was the most difficult moment you have ever had to go through?
It wasn’t fun, I can tell you that. But I wouldn’t change it. I wouldn’t want to go through it again, but, although I already appreciated life a lot, it gave me a way to live totally grateful every day of my life — for simply being able to stand up, go get a glass of water myself. Because my father was in a wheelchair, I knew what my family would experience if I remained in a wheelchair. Although I am very positive, and if I had stayed in the chair I would be playing basketball. [Laughs.]
It was difficult, but I had so much support, so many prayers that I felt and absorbed and that I know are part of my recovery. I worked very hard, doing six to seven hours a day of rehab — first floating in the pool, because I couldn’t walk. Until I was able to step on stage, 20 days before the one year anniversary of the accident. Every year when that date arrives, the day I broke my back, March 20, […] I celebrate my rebirth. So I’m only 34 years old right now.
How would you describe the role that music has had in your life?
Music for me has been the vehicle of my soul. To express myself. To stay strong. To vent. To have fun, celebrate. Music is the center of my life. Always has been. I’ve been singing since I’ve been able to talk, it came with me. And it’s not that I had to be famous or anything, because I had to get used to being the center of attention — it’s not part of my personality. But I can’t imagine my life without music. And having the privilege of other people listening to my lyrics, my melodies, is something I feel grateful for every day of my life.
When you look back, what moment as a Latin woman in music do you view with greatest pride?
The album Mi Tierra. Definitely. Because although I grew up in this country — I came when I was two and a half years old, and American music and everything I listened to became part of me — to be able to share my culture, an era of Cuban music that was paralyzed with the revolution and didn’t grow any more, being able to make original songs that celebrate and honor Cuban music and spread it throughout the world, for me is my greatest achievement. And if I had to leave only one album, it would be that one.
Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 will air exclusively on Telemundo Sunday (June 9) at 9 p.m. ET, and will also be available on the Telemundo app and on Peacock.
With her eclectic fusions of Música Mexicana and Latin pop, Ana Bárbara has not only molded the Regional Mexican genre but righteously earned her title of La Reina Grupera (the queen of grupera music). In celebration of her 30-year career that has ultimately defined the grupero genre through 11 studio albums and various Billboard hits, […]
In a world where seasons change but legends remain, Ana Bárbara has positioned herself as an unforgettable icon in regional Mexican music and Latin pop.
Celebrating three decades of a spectacular career, the artist has excelled as the defining female voice of the grupero genre, with a mix of rhythms that has captivated millions. Throughout these years, the San Luis Potosí native has not only conquered hearts — with an extensive discography that includes 11 studio albums and 18 compilations — she has also molded the regional musical style.
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From the time she debuted with an eponymous album in 1994 until she became La Reina Grupera, Altagracia Ugalde Motta (her real name) has released a succession of hits that resonate with a unique energy. Two decades ago, she delivered one of her biggest and most transcendent songs, “Lo Busqué”. “It was the first to make a crossover between pop and country,” Ana Bárbara says — and, as she can proudly claim, started a trend that now influences artists like Carín León, Chiquis and more.
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Throughout her career, she has collaborated with legendary figures such as Vicente Fernández, Bronco and Paquita la del Barrio, and has been a key player in the rise of superstars like Christian Nodal and (more recently) Majo Aguilar and Adriana Ríos. Her career not only reflects her mastery of the stage, but also of the Billboard charts. Hits such as “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta”, “La Trampa”, “Ya No Te Creo Nada” and “No Lloraré” reached the top 10 of Hot Latin Songs, and albums like Ay Amor (1996) and Yo Soy La Mujer (2014) established her as a mainstay on Regional Mexican Albums.
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Ana Bárbara will be recognized with the Music Lifetime Achievement Award at Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024. In this intimate dialogue, The Queen of Grupera opens the doors to her world, revealing more about her achievements, challenges and the passion that continues to fuel her impressive musical legacy.
This year you are marking 30 years of musical career, and you will celebrate it soon with La Reina Grupera Tour.
Cómo han pasado los años (how the years have gone by), as the song [by Rocío Dúrcal] says — and it’s been incredible. With so many things happening in life, to have life is a miracle. It’s a blessing to be celebrating with music and a tour! It’s a triple blessing. The tour is a surge of nostalgia, of history, of feelings, of ups and downs of emotions. Because in 30 years, how many stories could have been written? How many were part of my songs? I can’t express enough thanks for the gratitude that my heart feels, without a doubt.You sing, you compose, you dance. Is there an area that you enjoy the most in what involves being the superstar Ana Barbara, whether it’s recording, composing or performing live?They all have their magic. But the songwriting part of it is very exciting. It’s like, “Oh my God, I came up with this! Where did it come from? What part of the universe? Where was my soul?” When I start producing it, I see if I want guitar here or trumpet there. The creative process is like an adrenaline rush. Also, you know that a feeling crystallized, if you can call it that. A feeling that took shape. Just talking about it gets me excited. Right now I’m finishing [a song that I’m] crazy about and listening to it makes me thing: “How did I come up with this?” I know, it’s really cool. That’s an indescribable feeling.
I was listening to your most recent track, “Así bailé”. You have a very fun way of telling stories that make you smile.
If you listened to it and say, “I laughed, I smiled, it put on a good attitude,” then I have done my job. That song was to talk about the anecdote of when you meet someone and it doesn’t matter how old you are. You can be 17, 18, 40, 50 or 60 years old, be single and feel butterflies in your stomach again. Why not? That’s what I love about that song.
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You use norteño elements like the accordion, but it also sounds a bit country. How do you approach incorporating diverse styles into your music?
That’s something organic — that word is in style. “Lo Busqué” is going to be 20 years old, and I was lucky enough to be with Carín León at StageCoach [Festival on April 27], where he mentioned to those present that for him, that song, in his reality, was the first that made a crossover between pop and country. It is a song that marked him, and it marked me too when I wrote it.
When I wrote it, I had a lot of problems with the record label — because they told me: “Your song is neither grupera, nor ranchera, nor a ballad, nor country”. And I told them, “You know why it is nothing? Because it’s everything.” They’re songs that come naturally to me. I think it’s the impact of cultures — of traveling, of listening to all kinds of music — that makes me write that way.
Thirty years ago, when you were starting your career, regional Mexican music was even more male-dominated than it is today. What was it like to stand out and make your way as a female leader in the music scene and what challenges did you have to overcome?
The first challenge? Insecurity. It’s absolutely a man’s market. I still believe that. It’s misogynistic, and I say that with the authority of years of being in this. [A record executive] said, “We have five singles [to release], and Ana’s is going to be the fifth.” The first one, almost always, or always, is very male-focused. It’s insane! They’re career challenges that deflate your spirits.
But you keep going because of “orgullo de mujer cuando está herido”(or “a woman’s pride when it’s wounded”) — my song “Loca” (2004) says. Even if they [make you] let your guard down and say, “She’s probably going to get married or have children”, or “Oh, she’s not going to have the body she once had.”
No! If you got married, you got married; if you had a child, you bless them and move on. I have been a victim of these kinds of comments that can discourage any human being, any woman. Don’t let them make you let your guard down — you keep going, you keep fighting. If it impacts you, you have to know how to channel it. I have channeled it with my songs, through dance, concerts, and it has worked very well for me.
You proved it in February during your performance at Premio Lo Nuestro, with your medley of hits, the numerous costume changes, the choreography, and then you did a split! How do you prepare for that kind of gymnastics on stage? What’s your diet and routine like?
The worst thing that can happen to an artist, in my humble opinion, is that what they need the most is discipline or the routine to get in physical condition — to get on stage, sing and dance at the same time; daily exercise. We [artists] are always flying, traveling, going up, going down, all the time, and the only thing we don’t have is a routine. However, not having a constant of waking up in the same place — within that disorder you have to have an order.
I try to do sports at least three, four times a week. I do try to do them intensely — because imagine, singing, dancing, performing and costume changing is weight on your feet, arms and legs. Besides, you can’t become a fitness [guru], because you don’t have the time. One of the limitations is to look for schedules without routine, whether it’s in the evening, another in the morning, or at the crack of dawn. Do yoga, aerobics, things that give you the physical condition for that kind of performance.
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The logical thing to do when you’re not traveling, singing, promoting, taking care of your home or your family, is to rest. Well, no! In those breaks, the stress I put on my body is one that is called positive stress. Even if I’m very tired, I try to exercise to have the condition for these kinds of challenges that are award show presentations, or touring — because for each [tour] show, you need an hour and a half or two. Imagine being on stage, up there in heels at this age. [Laughs.] Yes, it’s a big challenge, queen.
You have been a judge in competitions such as La Academia and Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento. How was that experience of being on the other side of the music industry?
You can go all over the world and you will never come across a monument like a critic. It’s funny, but the critic can suddenly be cold hearted, and will only say: “Look, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta”, right? I was a critic, but I have been a judge — I have also been in programs as a contestant, not only once, but many times. From that sympathy, I made my comments [as judge]. I always wanted the contestant to feel good and comfortable, and leave there having lived a nice experience. Despite how strong [it can be], I always wanted them to have a glimmer of hope. But I tried to be realistic.
Besides the tour, what else is next for Ana Bárbara?
I have other music projects with new artists. María José, a Mexican singer that I love, just recorded a song. It is a song I wrote, called “Mi Rey, Mi Santo” (My King, My Saint), and the truth is that she sings it very beautifully. She invited me to sing it with her. It’s coming out [soon] and we are very excited.
Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 will air exclusively on Telemundo Sunday (June 9) at 9 p.m. ET, and will also be available on the Telemundo app and on Peacock.
When Kali Uchis first broke into the American mainstream in the mid ‘10s, listeners were quickly drawn to her warm, languid coo. But what few knew then is that the artist born Karly-Marina Loaiza was already a veritable powerhouse: writing, producing and even directing and editing her music videos.
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Uchis first registered on our radar as an indie sensation with her silky EP Por Vida in 2015, where she cemented her status as a formidable talent. By 2024, she has established herself as a versatile star, seamlessly navigating English and Spanish-language projects, while consistently defying genre with her unique blend of R&B, pop, indie and Latin rhythms. “Having these two different cultures has inspired and influenced so much of everything that I do and make,” the Colombian-American artist tells Billboard Español. Her smash hit “Telepatía” from Sin Miedo (2020) alone has amassed over two billion streams to date, while peaking at a career-best No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, and also spending 25 weeks on the chart.
After a trio of Billboard 200-charting releases — 2018’s Isolation (No. 32), 2020’s Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) (No. 52) and 2023’s Red Moon in Venus (No. 4) — Uchis unveiled her fourth studio LP (and second Spanish-language album) Oriquídeas, in January. The album became her highest-charting project to date, achieving remarkable success across both the American and Latin markets — peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, while soaring to the pinnacle of Top Latin Albums, Latin Pop Albums, Top Albums Sales, and Vinyl Albums.
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Recently a new mother, Kali Uchis will be recognized with the Rising Star award at Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024. “As an artist, I have always tried to freely express myself. I think [that] opens a door for other artists to feel free and in expressing themselves when it comes to bilingual music, Spanglish,” she tells Billboard Español. “It’s really special when young women tell me that because of me, they felt empowered to be more free in the way that they create. It’s a beautiful thing to feel that you can inspire the next generation.”
Firstly, congratulations on an eventful 2024 so far. You released a No. 1 album, and you’re a new mother!
I was pretty much working my whole pregnancy. I was touring and getting ready to release this album. I shot a bunch of music videos. I was doing as much work [as I could] — so that when I had my baby, I could just enjoy my new baby, and not have to worry about work too much.
When it comes to my child, everything else can wait. I always told myself, “One day, should God ever give me the opportunity to become a mother, I don’t ever want to be the type of person that’s like, ‘My career comes first.’” There’s a lot more to life than your career. That’s how I look at the world. So it’s been a beautiful thing to put [the album] out and see what happens. I’m now getting back into the swing of working. We’ll see if another song happens to take off from the album. But if not, I’m not really worried about it, I have my next album ready. I’m ready for my next era.
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You’ve navigated between the Latin and U.S. music markets with ease, which had been uncommon after first making it big in English-language music. What challenges and opportunities have you encountered in doing so?
There are so many of us that have grown up in spaces of feeling “other” — especially in the United States as a Latina, feeling like you have to [be in put a] box. Now, it’s different. But when I was growing up, you had to identify yourself on paperwork by checking a box [specifying] if you’re Black, white, Asian, Pacific Islander. I always checked the “other” box. Every day, it felt like people were trying to take away your identity, make you not proud of where you come from, and make you feel like it’s not okay to speak Spanish. Even people coming to this country changed their kids’ names to become more Americanized, so they don’t get discriminated [against]. A lot of that experience was challenging for me.
You also grew up in Colombia.
I went to school in Colombia. We were supposed to live there for the rest of my life. Then we ended up coming back to the United States. I had a tumultuous upbringing when it came to heritage, [asking] where is home and what to call home. When I came back to the United States, our house was the place where family members [stopped in] when crossing to America. It was full of immigrants. As an artist, trying to find my footing not only as a person, but as an artist, your artistic identity. All of it has played a big part in me. Being a dual citizen and having these two different cultures has inspired and influenced so much of everything that I do and make. Finding that balance was probably the most challenging part for me.
With Sin Miedo, the pushback was, “You’re never going to be accepted by the Latin market. You’re always going to be considered a gringa because of your U.S. upbringing.” Then with the English-speaking fans, the pushback was, “She’s making music that I can’t understand.” There was some shame, something out of your control. But I had the privilege of never feeling that pressure of having to be commercially successful. Now there are so many of us that have had that experience, first- and second-generation [Latinos]. It’s this new layer to Latinidad that never existed before. Now that America is becoming so Latin, it’s almost like I found my place in that, as well.
How do you and your partner Don Toliver, who’s also a well-known artist, support each other in your respective endeavors?
Whether it’s your friends, family, or partner, it’s important to support [one another’s] dreams, and ambitions. It’s great being able to be with somebody that supports anything that I choose to do, and he understands. If I want to keep making music, I can do that. He also supports me if I don’t want to keep doing that. As a mom, there’s a lot of shaming if you [either] work or don’t work.
On my end, whatever he feels he needs to do for his career, I’m here for him too. It goes both ways, and it’s important — especially when you have a baby. The relationship becomes even more layered. Both of you become responsible for this whole other human being. So it’s important to take time to still be communicating with each other, and putting energy into the relationship.
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You’ve done dembow (“Muñequita” with El Alfa and JT), reggaetón (“Labios Mordidos” with Karol G), neo soul (“Igual Que Un Angel” with Peso Pluma), boleros (“Te Mata”) — you’ve tapped into many genres very seamlessly.
When I make a Latin album in particular, I’m really trying to play and experiment as much as I can with all of the Latin genres that have influenced me. That’s my opportunity to have as much fun as possible. A lot of times, when [non-Latin] people think about Latin music, they just think of one type of artist or sound — and I tried to just be as free with my expression so I can show the range of Latin music and everything that inspires me.
Sometimes I surprise myself, like, “Oh, I didn’t know that I could do this sound.” For instance, my merengue song (“Dame Beso // Muévete”) on Orquídeas, that’s my first time ever doing that sound. I never thought that I could make a song like this — so it’s cool. The bolero was really fun, too.
What advice would you give to emerging artists who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Any up-and-coming artists, I would say, “Be yourself.” Don’t ever try to be like anybody else, think about how somebody else would do something, or follow trends. Find your own light, find your own path, and do what feels right for you. That’s how you’re going to do something that’s never been done before. That is something that I’ve always stood for and lived by. I think that’s what sets you apart as the artist — solidifying your own lane, your own identity — and when you make music, that you are ultimately striving to be timeless.
Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 will air at 9 PM ET (8 PM Central) on Sunday, June 9 via Telemundo, and can also be streamed on the Telemundo app and on Peacock.