Latin Women In Music
Billboard Women in Music 2025
Olga Tañón, Anitta, and Chiquis will be honored at the third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music event, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Wednesday (April 2). The program will air live exclusively on Telemundo on April 24 at 9 p.m. ET.
Hosted by Ana Bárbara, the two-hour music special will celebrate the “groundbreaking women shaping the future of Latin music,” says the press release. It will also stream on the Telemundo app, Universo and Peacock.
According to the initial list of honorees, la Mujer del Fuego (the Women of Fire) Olga Tañón, as she is widely known, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for her nearly four decades of unparalleled influence in merengue and Latin pop. Throughout her career, which dates back to the mid-1980s, the Puerto Rican legend has not only stolen hearts, but has also shaped the tropical style, earning a special place in the history of Latin music, earning the No. 8 spot on Billboard‘s Best 50 Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time.
Twenty of her albums have charted on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums, including two No. 1s, Llévame Contigo (1997) and Te Acordarás de Mí (1998). Meanwhile, on Tropical Airplay, the merengue powerhouse holds the record as the female artist with the most Top 10 entries (29 in total). “Her musical versatility, passion, and ability to connect with diverse audiences have made her an enduring icon,” reads the statement.
Meanwhile, trilingual superstar Anitta will be honored the Vanguard Award for her groundbreaking contributions to Latin pop, becoming one of the few Brazilian artists to successfully break into the Spanish-speaking market.
Anitta’s breakthrough came in 2017 with the J Balvin collaboration “Downtown,” which peaked at No. 14 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. Since then, through impactful collaborations and solo hits like “Envolver” — which reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Global 200 — she has established herself as an essential force in breaking “barriers, challenge norms, and inspire future generations,” the statement said.
Rounding out the honorees on this first announcement, Chiquis will be recognized with the Impact Award for her “extraordinary contributions to the music industry and society.” A three-time Latin Grammy winner, the Mexican-American artist carries forward the rich banda legacy of her renowned family.
Chiquis holds 12 entries on Regional Mexican Airplay, and two No. 1 albums on Regional Mexican Albums for Ahora (2015) and Entre Botellas (2018). As the founder of Busy Bee Productions, she launched two hit TV series, while her podcast Chiquis and Chill has ran for four successful seasons.
Billboard and Telemundo will announce additional Latin Women in Music honorees in 2025.
The 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music event honored eight powerful and admirable mujeres in the industry, including Gloria Estefan, who received the legend award; Ana Bárbara, who received the lifetime achievement award; and La India, who received the pioneer award. This year’s woman of the year was Karol G — who was unable to […]
The second annual Billboard Latin Women in Music may be a wrap, but we’re reliving every single moment from the gala that aired on Sunday (June 9).Kicking off the two-hour music special, Mexican powerhouse Ana Bárbara, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, performed a riveting medley that included “Te Regalo la Lluvia,” “Los Caminos de la Vida,” “Qué Poca” and “La Trampa” accompanied by a live band of 13 musicians and a troupe of fierce dancers.
Her performance set the vibe for the ultra-special night that also included sets by other honorees of the night including La India (Pioneer), Ángela Aguilar (Musical Dynasty), Kany García (Spirit of Change) and Kali Uchis (Rising Star). While they didn’t perform, Gloria Estefan, Camila Cabello and Karol G were also honored this year. Estefan was honored as Legend, Cabello with the Global Impact Award and Karol as the Woman of the Year.
All honorees gave heartfelt speeches as they received their respective awards. García was the first one to take the stage to give a speech after Tommy Torres presented her with the award.
“It’s time for us to not only sing and dance and have a great time,” she said categorically. “It’s time for us to talk more. It’s time for us to use the microphone to not only entertain. We women have experienced such a brutal and incredible imbalance, which is why we’re fighting for something that comes very easily to us. That is why as a woman, being hand in hand with each of the people I see sitting here, receiving this award [is so important].”
At the top of the second hour of the show, Ángela Aguilar took the stage, alongside pianist Arthur Hanlon, to sing Pepe Aguilar’s “Me Vas a Extrañar,” one of her dad’s most iconic songs.
Toward the end of the show, Gloria Estefan was honored by Elena Rose, GALE and Juliana who gave a touching performance of Estefan’s “Mi Tierra” accompanied by an orchestra composed of women.
And Karol G shared a special message, thanking Billboard for the Woman of the Year honor and dedicating this award to the women who have collaborated with her, the women who are part of her team and the women who stream her music. Her father Guillermo Giraldo, also known as Papa G, accepted the award on her behalf. “Thanks to each one of you, to the fans, to the great team, it’s because of them we are celebrating this beautiful day,” he said before Karol’s video played.
“I think there is a part of my heart that feels very nostalgic for these beautiful things that have been happening to me,” Karol continued. “They make me remember all the years of my career, all the years of work, of effort, of obstacles, of closed doors, of mockery, of sacrifices and many tears, but also of happiness. I always say that people are afraid of the process, but the process is the most beautiful thing, the experience that it leaves you.”
See below for all the photos from the Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony.
La India
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
La India onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Guillermo Giraldo
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Guillermo Giraldo onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Kany García
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Kany García onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
María José & Ana Bárbara
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María José and Ana Bárbara onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Kali Uchis
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Kali Uchis onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Jacqueline Bracamontes
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Jacqueline Bracamontes onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Ana Bárbara
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Ana Bárbara onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Kany García
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Kany García onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Ángela Aguilar & Arthur Hanlon
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Ángela Aguilar and Arthur Hanlon onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Juliana Velásquez, Elena Rose & Gale
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
JulianaVelásquez, Elena Rose and Gale onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Myrka Dellanos & Penélope Menchaca
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Myrka Dellanos and Penélope Menchaca onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Gloria Estefan & Emilio Estefan
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Camila Cabello
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Camila Cabello onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Andrea Meza
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Andrea Meza onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
La India
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
La India onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
María José
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
María José onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Kali Uchis
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Kali Uchis onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Tommy Torres
Image Credit: John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Tommy Torres onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Karol G was honored with Woman of the Year at the Billboard Latin Women in Music gala, which aired on Sunday (June 9). Although the Colombian hitmaker is currently on her Mañana Será Bonito European tour, she appeared via video to share a heartfelt message.
But before Karol’s video played, her father, Guillermo Giraldo, aka Papa G, took to the stage to speak about his daughter — one of the most touching moments of the night.
“Good evening, everyone,” he began. “Thank you very much to Leila [Cobo], to Cisco [Suárez], to Telemundo for having opened the door to a little girl who at the age of five was singing backup vocals for this artist who was not as successful,” Papa G said, referring to himself.
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“Today we’re here receiving this great recognition as Woman of the Year. We are very sad because [Karol] could not join us today as she is on her world tour in Zurich, [but] I’m very happy to be surrounded by so many stars, so many legends, so many talented women who today are sweeping the world of music. Thanks to each one of you, to the fans, to the great team, it’s because of them we are celebrating this beautiful day.”
Then, it was Karol’s turn to speak. Sounding emotional and grateful, the “Amargura” singer — who was also named Woman of the Year at Billboard Women in Music in March — began her speech by thanking Billboard for the honors.
Below is Karol’s full speech, with everything translated from Spanish to English.
“Good evening, family. Good evening to everyone watching this. Thank you, Billboard, for this recognition. Woman of the Year for Billboard, Woman of the Year for Billboard Latin. Not just this year, the last couple of years of my career have been the most beautiful. The whole process is incredible, but these last years have been like harvesting so many things that I have sown in my life. I feel very grateful for this recognition. I feel very honored for what it means, for the responsibility behind it as well. I want to infinitely thank all the women who have made it possible for me to receive this tonight — I believe that it is not only my work but the work of all the women who are part of what I do.
“To the women who have collaborated with me in my music, to those who have participated in my projects, to all the women at home who listen to me and who are also part of all this success. What a beautiful way to celebrate women, their work, their commitment, their discipline, their dedication, what we are as people. I also want to thank those who are at home and work every day for their dreams. Do not stop believing in yourselves. I believe it’s not just about pursuing a goal but also about making the world more beautiful, more special, [and] that, in the end, the conclusion is to make this women’s movement bigger in the world.”
“I feel very happy. I think there is a part of my heart that feels very nostalgic for these beautiful things that have been happening to me. They make me remember all the years of my career, all the years of work, of effort, of obstacles, of closed doors, of mockery, of sacrifices and many tears, but also of happiness. I always say that people are afraid of the process, but the process is the most beautiful thing, the experience that it leaves you.”
“This only makes me want to keep working very hard. The number one thing I have on my bucket list is to keep inspiring people around the world. I will be giving my best every day, working, studying, preparing myself to continue bringing a little bit of light. Thank you very much to everyone, to all the women who are there tonight. Congratulations to all of you. I receive Woman of the Year today, but in the future it will be others, just like in the past there were others who gave me this opportunity. I hope this movement does not stop growing. Thank you all very much. I love you all very much.”
Camila Cabello was honored with the Global Impact award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music event that aired on Sunday night (June 9) on Telemundo. During her speech, the Cuban-American singer-songwriter thanked the biggest female inspiration in her life: her mother, Sinuhe Estrabao. Highlighting her strength and ability to comfort her during difficult […]
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.
Ángela Aguilar was honored with the Musical Dynasty award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony on Sunday night (June 9), where she was also the youngest of the eight honorees. “The legacy I’ve had the privilege of forming part of has been beautiful and full of joy, trajectory and music that when […]
Camila Cabello made sure to shout out the women who have impacted her life and career during her speech at the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 gala, where she was honored with the Global Impact Award.
Speaking in both English and Spanish, Cabello spoke with great emotion about her mother, who was present at the music special, which aired on Sunday night (June 9): “I was thinking about what to say tonight here in front of you and I decided to take this moment to thank my mom. Honestly, I had never taken a moment to talk about her like this, so I wanted to do it tonight.”
Cabello praised her mother’s strength and her ability to comfort her in difficult times. “When the world is suffering, the headlines make my chest hurt with news of war and death with dangerous amounts of lack of compassion, my mom reminds me that there is love in this world,” she expressed. “She inspires me with that infinite strength that just being herself, transmits her endless energy and encourages my sister and me no matter how exhausted she is. She shows me that there is hope in this world. Her best advice is not something she says but something she practices; her kindness, empathy and, most importantly, how she treats people.”
The “I Luv It” singer was among this year’s Latin Women in Music honorees, which also included superstars Kali Uchis, Gloria Estefan, Kany García, Ángela Aguilar, Ana Bárbara and Karol G. In her speech, Cabello made sure to recognize their contributions to music and express her love for Estefan, whom she also shouted out numerous times throughout her speech.
“I feel very honored to share this award with these incredible women. Gloria Estefan, I mean, are you kidding? Karol G, Ana Bárbara, Ángela Aguilar, Kany García, La India, Kali Uchis. I love you guys, you guys are amazing. You all have been and are a source of inspiration for me and other women, so I salute you. I love you, Gloria!”
Of course, she also thanked her fans, for whom she had some advice: “I would like to tell them not to underestimate the power of their actions, be kind to the shy new kid at school, stand up for a friend who is being bullied and get involved with the cause you care about. Every act of kindness creates a chain reaction.”
Cabello added: “I am grateful every day to be Cuban and Mexican and from Miami. I’m proud to represent young people with stories like mine, to be proof of possibility. I’m here because of the kindness and generosity of so many people and I remind myself every day to pass it on. I love you mommy and I love you all so much. And I love you Gloria Estefan.”
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.
Kali Uchis was a woman of few words at the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 gala, where she let her music speak for her as she was honored as Rising Star on Sunday (June 9)’s telecast. Although her acceptance speech was the shortest of the night, the Colombian-American singer-songwriter shined with a class-act performance.
Uchis, in a long black dress and her hair in an updo, performed a stripped-down version of her hit “Igual Que un Ángel,” originally recorded with Peso Pluma and part of her latest Spanish-language album, Orquídeas, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Top Latin Albums.
Accompanied only by piano and trumpet, the Grammy winner showcased her voice with a jazzy arrangement that added elegance to the show. Moments after her performance, Peso Pluma appeared on screen to present, through a video, the award to his “friend,” whom he called “a talented and multifaceted woman who even took me out of my comfort zone.”
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“Many thanks to Billboard and many thanks, first of all, to God for this life, for giving me the opportunity to always grow, and to my fans,” Uchis said, as she received a standing ovation from the audience.
Kali Uchis onstage during Billboard mujeres latinas en la música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
John Parra/TELEMUNDO
Singer, songwriter and producer Kali Uchis has successfully alternated between English and Spanish-language projects, and has defied musical genres by blending elements of R&B, neo-soul, pop and Latin rhythms. Her smash hit “Telepatía” has more than two billion plays and is the longest Spanish-language song by a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100 this decade, with a 23-week streak.
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 Music Dynasty Award, Camila Cabello with the Global Impact Award, and Kany García with the Spirit of Change Award.
In addition to airing on Telemundo on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, the ceremony is also available on the Telemundo app and Peacock.