Awards
Ella Langley received her first Academy of Country Music Award, for new female artist of the year, on Friday afternoon (April 25). While onstage for her set at Rock the Country in Knoxville, Tennessee, Langley received the news via a congratulatory video from Miranda Lambert, the winningest artist in ACM history.
It was hardly a surprise because Langley was the most-nominated artist for the upcoming 60th ACM Awards, with eight nods. None of the other nominees for new female artist of the year – Kassi Ashton, Ashley Cooke, Dasha and Jessie Murph – had more than that one nomination.
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“I’m here to tell you how proud I am of you for being the top nominated artist for the Academy of Country Music Awards this year,” Lambert said in the video. “You are my friend, first and foremost, a fellow dog rescue advocate, you are a co-writer, you are my soul sister in country music and a partner in crime. We are gonna celebrate so big in Dallas, Texas! They ain’t even ready!”
Lambert won in that same category in 2007 – one year after Carrie Underwood took the prize, and one year before Taylor Swift did. (A pretty good run, there.)
This was the second nomination in the new female artist of the year category for both Ashton and Cooke, which means they cannot be nominated in the category again. Dasha and Murph can be, due to the generous policy at both the ACM and CMA Awards whereby new artists can be nominated twice in the category.
Langley, 25, is also nominated for female artist of the year and in four categories for “you look like you love me,” her breakthrough hit featuring Riley Green. The sexy duet is nominated for single of the year, song of the year, music event of the year and visual media of the year. Langley is nominated as both artist and songwriter in the song of the year category and as both artist and director in visual media of the year.
“you look like you love me” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, No. 7 on Hot Country Songs and No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Langley co-wrote all of the songs on her debut album, hungover, which reached No. 11 on Top Country Albums and No. 49 on the all-genre Billboard 200.
Zach Top was presented with the award for new male artist of the year on Thursday. The ACM has yet to present the award for new duo or group of the year. The nominees are Restless Road, The Red Clay Strays and Treaty Oak Revival.
Langley will be celebrated for her win at the 60th ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire. The show will stream live for a global audience on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase on SeatGeek.
The ACM Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards will air live on E! and USA Network on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 – one week before the Golden Globes air on CBS. “The Critics Choice Association [CCA] is excited to kick off awards season as the first major televised show of 2026,” CCA CEO Joey Berlin said in a […]
Selena Gomez received the Woman of the Year award at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music event on Thursday (April 24).
The Texas-born star wasn’t there in person to accept the honor but expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt speech she delivered via video.
The Woman of the Year award is presented to a female artist who has demonstrated exceptional success, leadership and cultural influence in the music industry and beyond. Previous Women of the Year honorees at Latin Women in Music include Shakira and Karol G.
Below, Selena Gomez’s full speech:
Thank you so much to everyone at Billboard. I wish I could be there with all of you, but I’m filming in New York. This means so much to me as a Latina. I have been working most of my life and to be seen, supported and celebrated by women who share our roots is truly, truly powerful.
Growing up, I was extremely proud of my Mexican heritage. I didn’t see a lot of women who looked like me at the center of the story or onstage and it was just rare. Our stories, our voices and our cultures deserve to be celebrated.
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Releasing my EP Revelación was one of the proudest moments of my career only because it felt like I was creating music for something that I had wanted to give my heritage and my family, and for myself. Not only did it give me another opportunity to highlight my culture, but also I knew it would make my abuela very proud.
And finally, to my fans, I can never say it enough: It’s because of you that I’m able to do what i love. And thank you all for supporting me for all of these years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all, te amo.
Hosted by 2024 honoree Ana Bárbara, the third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special was broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.
The 2025 honorees also included Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Celia Cruz (Legend Award), Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement Award), Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), and Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award).
For the Billboard Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
Ana Bárbara and Yahritza y Su Esencia delivered an unforgettable performance of “Besos Robados” at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music event on Thursday (April 24). The collaboration created a magical moment that honored the past, present and future of regional Mexican music.
The stage transformed into a luminous desert landscape, complete with glowing cacti and a full moon, setting the perfect atmosphere for the emotional ballad. Ana Bárbara dazzled in a crystal-encrusted cowboy hat paired with a fur-trimmed top, exuding iconic glamor, while Yahritza brought a contemporary edge in her relaxed, baggy attire. Together, their powerful vocals soared, sending chills and leaving an indelible mark on the night.
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The duet between the iconic regional Mexican singer-songwriter and the rising sibling trio showcased the beauty of intergenerational artistry and celebrating the profound impact of women in Latin music.
Released last Friday, “Besos Robados” is a heartfelt ballad that delves into themes of heartbreak, longing and the bittersweet process of letting go. “You, who inspired me so many, many melodies/ You left my heart so empty/ I’d better say goodbye (I wanted you by my side, but today they are stolen kisses),” they sang in Spanish.
In addition to being one of the evening’s performers, Ana Bárbara also took on the role of host for the prestigious gala. Last year, she received the Lifetime Achievement award at the gala.
The third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special is broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.
The 2025 honorees also include Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), and Celia Cruz, who, on the centenary of her birth, is posthumously recognized with the Legend Award and featured in the new Billboard Español cover story.
Watch coverage on the pink carpet during Billboard’s livestream here.
For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
Three superstars of Latin music — reggaetón icon Ivy Queen, salsa legend La India and merengue star Olga Tañón — paid vibrant tribute to Celia Cruz during the third edition of Billboard Latin Women in Music, broadcast live on Thursday (April 24) via Telemundo.
In a colorful number very much in the style of the Queen of Salsa, with background visuals that went from a tropical jungle to a colorful carnival, Tañón opened the set with a fiery version of “Yerbero Moderno,” Ivy Queen followed with a vibrant rendition of “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” and La India honored her godmother Celia with the dazzling classic “Quimbara,” before all three united in a masterful final chorus.
In honor of the centennial of Cruz’s birth, which is being celebrated this year, Cruz — born in 1925 and passing away in 2003 due to a brain tumor — was posthumously awarded the Legend Award. The honor was presented by Cuban singer Goyo, who spoke about how, as a child, she had the opportunity to meet the Queen of Salsa and sing for her. A video featured scenes from Celia’s life and impact, with testimonies from Gloria Estefan, Ivy Queen, Olga Tañón, and La India about the influence the “Guarachera de América” had on their lives and careers.
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Cruz was also celebrated this week by Billboard Español with a cover story featuring testimonials from Emilio Estefan, La India, Randy Malcom, and Goyo.
Known for timeless tropical hits like “La Vida Es un Carnaval,” “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” and “Ríe y Llora” — and celebrated for her iconic “¡Azúcar!” catchphrase, her vibrant personality, and her flamboyant outfits — the Cuban superstar is recognized as a cultural icon and one of the most influential vocalists in history, with nearly 40 albums recorded.
Each of the artists in Thursday’s tribute has been honored at Latin Women in Music: Ivy Queen received the Icon Award in 2023, La India was recognized with the Pioneer Award in 2024, and Tañón received the Lifetime Achievement Award this year.
Hosted by 2024 honoree Ana Bárbara, the third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special is broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.
The 2025 honorees also include Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), and Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award).
For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
Mexican-American duo Ha*Ash showcased its signature Latin pop sound with country influences at the third edition of Billboard Latin Women in Music, broadcast live on Thursday (April 24) via Telemundo.
Hanna and Ashley, the Louisiana-born sisters of Mexican descent, shined while performing a medley of songs including “Perdón, Perdón” and “Estés Donde Estés,” showcasing the power of their voices and harmonies, each carrying her own guitar. Moments later, they received the Unbreakable Award from bachata star Prince Royce, who called them “two women with talent on another level.”
“This award is a celebration and a reminder that there is strength in unity, and our strength has been being sisters, partners in crime, and never letting go through thick and thin,” Hanna said while accepting the award.
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“Our career has been like a chain; each person is a link,” Ashley added, thanking her team, her family, and her fans, whom she called “the strongest link” and her “greatest source of love.”
Recognized for their resilience, innovation, and empowerment, Ha*Ash made an impressive debut in 2004, earning their first top 10 hit on the Latin Pop Airplay chart with “Estés Donde Estés,” which reached No. 9.
Over the years, the duo has showcased its staying power, racking up a total of 16 entries on the chart, four of which landed in the top 10. Recently, the sisters made a notable comeback with “El Cielo Te Mandó Para Mí,” a standout track from their album Haashville, which climbed to No. 7 on Latin Pop Airplay. They are currently on their Haashville Tour across the U.S. and Canada.
Hosted by 2024 honoree Ana Bárbara, the third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special is broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.
This year’s honorees also include Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement Award), Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), and Celia Cruz, who, on the centenary of her birth, is posthumously recognized with the Legend Award and featured in the new Billboard Español cover story.
Watch Ha*Ash on the pink carpet during Billboard‘s livestream here.
For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
Chiquis invigorated the stage at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music event with an electrifying live performance on Thursday (April 24) that showcased her artistry and paid homage to her roots.
The Mexican American singer delivered a medley of “Qué Me Vas a Dar” — a heartfelt cover of her legendary mother Jenni Rivera — and her empowering anthem “Por Qué Soy Abeja Reina,” a bold declaration of her individuality, but important lessons she learned from her mom. Backed by a robust banda ensemble, Chiquis proved why she’s a force to be reckoned with in Latin music and beyond.
Dressed in a striking burgundy gown paired with a matching cowboy hat, Chiquis commanded the stage as her powerful vocals soared. Behind her, a shimmering iridescent visual of a diamond display added another dimension to the performance, enhancing the emotional energy of the moment.
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Her accomplishments extend far beyond music. Chiquis was honored the Impact Award at this year’s ceremony for her philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors.
“Thank you for recognizing the great work. To the people who have been with me since I started this career, there were many moments when I wanted to give up, to throw in the towel, because it was a very difficult path. I always had my vision clear: having a microphone is a great responsibility. It’s not always going to be easy, I understand that, I lived it with my mother. Thank you for giving me strength when I didn’t have it. I started this to inspire and to empower. ¡Arriba las mujeres!” Amandititita delivered Chiquis her prize.
“I have to use my voice, not just to sing, but to send light and radiate love, and talk about the things that really matter to me,” Chiquis told Billboard earlier this week. In tandem with her musical career, she also launched her Boss Bee Nation initiative in 2014, to help those in need. “A lot of artists are afraid to speak their truth or stand behind what they believe in because it might affect and trickle their streams, but I don’t like to worry about that. I feel that if I’m my authentic self and use my platform for things that I believe in, and my heart is in the right place, you’re not going to lose the people who are important to you.”
The third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special is broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.
The 2025 honorees also include Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement Award),and Celia Cruz, who, on the centenary of her birth, is posthumously recognized with the Legend Award and featured in the new Billboard Español cover story.
Watch Chiquis on the pink carpet during Billboard’s livestream here.
For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
Anitta delivered a stripped-down yet emotionally charged performance at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music event on Thursday (April 24), captivating the audience with her deeply personal ballad, “Larissa.”
Accompanied only by an acoustic guitarist, the trilingual superstar showed her soul through deep lyrics and a soulful vocal performance, revealing a vulnerable side rarely seen behind her electrifying stage persona. Dressed in a delicate nude lace dress, Anitta delivered a moment that was as intimate as it was powerful on a stage framed by smoke, genuinely connecting with the audience.
Yailin La Más Viral was in charge of introducing Shakira on screen, who praised the reach of funk and its ability to blend the past with the future, taking music to new heights. In this context, Anitta took the moment to share a powerful message about the impact of artists on society:
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“I believe that we, artists, are in this position with many people watching us, not only to entertain, but to change society,” said the Brazilian artist. “We have thousands of people watching us, and the importance of having an award like this [is immense]. We would like to see more men supporting us for society to change; not only women should support the cause, but also men.”
As the recipient of this year’s Vanguard Award — an honor recognizing an artist who boldly forges her own path — Anitta’s performance was a powerful statement of creativity, resilience, and vision.
Beyond the music, Anitta has embraced a more personal and reflective chapter in her life, as documented in her 2025 Netflix film, Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta. The documentary explores her journey of healing and the balance between her stage persona and her true self. “I wanted to show people that everyone goes through struggles, even if it looks perfect from the outside,” Anitta recently told Billboard Español.
The third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special is broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.
The 2025 honorees also include Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), and Celia Cruz, who, on the centenary of her birth, is posthumously recognized with the Legend Award and featured in the new Billboard Español cover story.
For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
Natti Natasha showcased her romantic bachata-pop balladry at the third edition of Billboard Latin Women in Music, aired live on Telemundo on Thursday (April 24).
Wearing an elegant white silk suit and backed by a tropical ensemble, the Dominican singer performed the soulful “Vendaje” from her latest album Natti Natasha en Amargue, which debuted at No. 6 on Billboard‘s Top Tropical Albums chart in February.
The Dominican singer is honored with the Unstoppable Award at the third edition of the gala. “Thank you for allowing me to be here alive, present, without purpose. It is from a country that gave me birth, from a soul that I carry with pride, thanks to my land for giving me passion, flavor,” said the singer upon receiving her award.
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“I want to dedicate this award to the souls who are no longer with us, people who were simply celebrating life, this moment is also yours. To show that a woman can sing to the whole world,” she added, referring to the tragedy in the Dominican Republic that took hundreds of lives. She then thanked Don Omar, Becky G, Bad Bunny and many more artists who have marked her career to this day, as well as her daughter.
“Being recognized as ‘unstoppable’ makes me reflect on everything I’ve been through — every obstacle I’ve had to overcome, every tear, every sacrifice, every moment I had to be strong even when I was breaking inside,” the performer told Billboard earlier this week. “To me, being unstoppable is loving what you do with your whole heart. It’s getting back up a thousand times, even when the world tells you that you can’t. It’s being a woman, being a mother, being a proud and strong Latina.”
Billboard Latin Women in Music special is broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.
The 2025 honorees also include Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Belinda (Evolution Award), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), and Celia Cruz, who, on the centenary of her birth, is posthumously recognized with the Legend Award and featured in the new Billboard Español cover story.
Watch Natti Natasha on the pink carpet during Billboard‘s livestream here.
For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
Zach Top was named the winner of the Academy of Country Music Award for new male artist of the year on Thursday night (April 24) prior to taking the stage for a sold-out show in Wilmington, N.C. The news was revealed by Brooks & Dunn, the winningest duo in ACM history, through a congratulatory video.
Top beat strong competition, including Shaboozey, whose megahit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is nominated for an ACM Award for single of the year; Bailey Zimmerman, who was nominated for new male artist of the year for the second year in a row; Tucker Wetmore; and Gavin Adcock.
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“I couldn’t be more honored, and I can’t say a big enough thank you to my fans for loving music and loving what we do on the road and listening to the songs every day,” Top said after being handed his award. “It means the world to me, I’ve always wanted to just play and sing for a living, and I get to do that now and it’s cool to be able to get a little trophy every now and then to let us know that we’re doing good doing it. So thank you so much, this is beautiful.”
Top, 27, got the news before a stop on his Cold Beer & Country Music Tour. The tour was named after his debut album, which is nominated for an ACM Award for album of the year. The album peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
Top’s Cold Beer & Country Music headline tour features stops at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium (two nights), New York’s Terminal 5, and Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway. In addition, Top is supporting select dates with Alan Jackson on his Last Call Tour and will join Dierks Bentley’s Broken Branches Tour, when it kicks off next month.
Top was nominated for new artist of the year at last fall’s Country Music Association Awards. He lost to Megan Moroney, but the leading country awards shows allow artists two nominations in this category, so he could be nominated there again this year.
New artist of the year winners are typically issued invitations to perform on the ACM Awards telecast. Last year’s new male artist of the year winner, Nate Smith, performed (joined by Avril Lavigne), as did last year’s new duo or group of the year winner, Tigirlily Gold. Last year’s new female artist of the year winner, Moroney, did not.
The 60th ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will stream live for a global audience on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. A limited number of tickets to the landmark 60th ACM Awards are available for purchase on SeatGeek.
The ACM Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.