Latin Women In Music
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Olga Tañón was just 19 when she was invited to audition as a vocalist for a band. A self-proclaimed “rockerita” from a young age, she assumed it was a rock band. But when she arrived, she found a tambora and a güira instead of an electric guitar, bass, and drums.
“I think I’m in the wrong place,” she recalls thinking. “When I approached the bandleader, Ringo Martínez, he said to me: ‘No, this isn’t a rock band. This is a merengue orchestra.’ I replied, ‘But I don’t know how to sing merengue.’ And he came back with a challenge and told me: ‘Well, a good singer can sing anything.’”
The next day, she was already recording her first merengue song, “Fuera de Mi Vida” by Valeria Lynch, as part of the group Las Nenas de Ringo y Jossie.
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Nearly four decades later, the so-called “Mujer de Fuego” (Woman of Fire) from Santurce, Puerto Rico, is being honored with Billboard‘s 2025 Latin Women in Music Lifetime Achievement Award for her unparalleled influence as a singer in this Dominican genre.
Over her career, which began in the mid-’80s, Tañón has not only won hearts but has also shaped the tropical music style, earning a special place in Latin music history with her exceptional performance quality, unmistakable mezzo-soprano voice, and high-energy stage presence.
Since launching her solo career in 1992, 20 of her albums have entered Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, including two that reached No. 1: Llévame Contigo (1997) and Te Acordarás de Mí (1998). On the Tropical Airplay chart, she holds the record as the female artist with the most top 10 entries (29 in total), with hits like “Es Mentiroso,” “Cómo Olvidar,” and “El Frío de Tu Adiós,” to name a few.
“I’m beyond grateful for this beautiful Lifetime Achievement Award,” Tañón says. “It represents all the sacrifices made, all those nights that weren’t wasted but learned from, as I prefer to say. And for people to value you in such a way is a reminder that we’ve truly done the right thing: choosing what we wanted to do with our lives, and achieving it.”
“I hope many young women are inspired to pursue this beautiful [career], which isn’t easy but is wonderful,” she adds.
A Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, and also recognized this year by Billboard among the top 10 Best 50 Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time, Tañón looks back on her beginnings, reflects on her biggest achievements, and shares the secret to a long-lasting career.
Natalia Aguilera
When did you know you wanted to be a music artist?
I really started noticing the early inklings, as I call them, at 4 years old, when I moved to Levittown in Puerto Rico and was already singing a solo at the Coliseo de Toa Baja. I was in pre-kindergarten, and they held an event in that coliseum, and I was part of the choir. Did the teacher see something in me? I don’t know. But from there, I took opera lessons. I took advantage of all the services the public school offered because that’s where I studied.
What’s the first merengue song you remember as being special to you?
At home, we used to listen to “Sancocho Prieto” [by La Sonora Ponceña]. Honestly, I never thought I’d have a career in tropical music. I’ve loved the Dominican Republic since I was very young because the first, second, third, and fourth country my dad took us to visit was the Dominican Republic. But I only listened to merengue to dance to it. If I wanted to sing, I always imagined myself singing songs by Rocío Dúrcal or Isabel Pantoja, things like that. I never imagined I’d build an entire life honoring, as I say, a country that has given me so much. And I wasn’t even born there; that’s why I treat it with such respect.
So how did you end up making merengue music?
I was looking for opportunities in music. I was a “rockerita” in Spanish because I didn’t know a lick of English. After my dance teacher, [the famous Puerto Rican choreographer] Junito Betancourt, passed away, I was invited to an audition, and they told me it was for a band. So, I assumed it was a Spanish rock band. When I walked into the audition at Salón Villarreal, I saw a guy with a tambora and a güira, and I thought, “I think I’m in the wrong place.” But when I approached the bandleader, he said, “No, this isn’t a rock band. This is a merengue orchestra.” And I said, “What do I do? I don’t know how to sing merengue.” And he came back with a challenge and told me: “Well, a good singer can sing anything.” From then on, I haven’t stopped singing merengue.
What a happy mistake, right?
That’s what I call it, “a happy mistake.” Because the truth is, I don’t come from a famous family. I didn’t get a lucky break, you know, like a stroke of fortune. On the contrary, it was a lot of knocking on doors until something worked, and from there, I made the most of it. And the first thing I said was, “If I’m going to do a musical genre that isn’t from my country, I at least need to learn how to play a tambora.” And that’s how I started to learn more about the genre which has given me the life I have today — merengue.
Natalia Aguilera
Who did you look up to as role models? There weren’t many women in merengue at that time…
The image I always remember, and it was a dream that I was fortunate enough to fulfill by meeting her in person, was Rocío Dúrcal, with all those songs that stick with you even to this day — “Pues mira tú, como te ríes, como juegas tú” [she sings part of “Como Tu Mujer,” imitating the Spanish singer’s classic inflections] — with those always extraordinary vocal modulations. When I got into merengue, I didn’t really have an image of a woman in merengue because, at that time, there were duos and groups like Milly Quezada and her sister Jocelyn.
Obviously, there was Fefita La Grande from the Dominican Republic, who was always there with “Vamos a Hablar Inglés.” And I was also greatly inspired by many men who were active at that time.
As a woman in the industry, and in a genre like merengue, what has been the biggest challenge for you?
When you perform a musical genre that isn’t necessarily salsa, bomba or plena — the styles we’re known for in Puerto Rico — when you take on the responsibility of performing a genre that represents a country, you have to make an effort to learn a bit about it and approach it with great respect. I always tried to bring something important to merengue, with a lot of detail, care and love for everything I did.
How did you find your own voice?
Well, honestly, I don’t even know. They just told me, “Open your mouth and sing,” so I opened my mouth and sang. I didn’t have many references in that sense, so I wanted to add my own style. Obviously, when you’re trying to build a career, I always say that everything’s already been invented. But as long as you try to be as original and authentic as possible, I think you’ll do well.
What would you say are your greatest accomplishments in music?
The years I’ve spent making merengue. And also ballads, because Marco Antonio Solís gave me the chance to break into that world [in 1996 with the album Nuevos Senderos]. But specifically in merengue, the years and the applause — it’s a privilege I humbly say I still receive. I still feel like crying every time I come offstage after a sold-out show, even after so many years of my career. And we’re still doing it with a new tour. I think, wow, the people.
And how have you managed to stay relevant over four decades?
By not closing myself off to musical innovation. I think you have to be open to saying, “I can do this with a bit of influence from that.” I meet with producers. I meet with people I love and respect to write. I also open the door to new talent. I think staying relevant means not shutting yourself off.
Natalia Aguilera
The third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music special will air live at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 24 exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.
Check out Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executive list here.
Selena Gomez will receive the 2025 Woman of the Year award at the annual Billboard Latin Women in Music event, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Wednesday (April 16). The two-hour special, set to be held Miami, will air April 24 exclusively on Telemundo.
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.
A global powerhouse, Gomez has had a fruitful career as a recording artist. On the Billboard charts, the 32-year-old star has had presence across genres, including a total of 42 entries on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, including her first No. 1 hit, “Lose You to Love Me” (2019). On the Hot Latin Songs chart, her featured role on DJ Snake’s “Taki Taki,” alongside Ozuna and Cardi B, debuted at No. 1 on the tally in October 2018, where it ruled for 13 weeks. Since, she’s achieved three additional top 10 hits on the multimetric ranking, including “Baila Conmigo,” her collaboration with Rauw Alejandro, which soared to a No. 4 peak in 2021 and topped the Latin Airplay chart for a week.
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The Texas-born artist of Mexican descent further expanded her reach in Latin music with her first-ever Spanish-language project, Revelación. The EP, released four years ago, debuted at No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart, making history as the first album by a female artist to achieve the feat since Shakira’s El Dorado. It also scored her a Grammy nomination for best Latin pop album. Most recently, Gomez entered the top five on Hot Latin Songs thanks to “Ojos Tristes” with Benny Blanco and The Marías. The song, a reimagination of the ’80s classic “El Muchacho de los Ojos Tristes,” is part of Gomez and Blanco’s collaborative album, I Said I Love You First.
Beyond her career in music, Gomez — also an award-winning actress, producer and business mogul — has become a leading voice for mental health and social justice issues that impact underrepresented communities. She was Woman of the Year at the 2017 Billboard Women in Music.
Gomez joins this year’s previously announced honorees, including Anitta (Vanguard Award), Belinda (Evolution Award), Celia Cruz (Legend Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), Natti Natasha Unstoppable Artist), and Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement Award).
Read Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 Executive List here.
The third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music special will air live April 24 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. Central exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean onTelemundo Internacional.
Celia Cruz will be honored with a tribute performance at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music awards, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Tuesday (April 15). In honor of her centennial this year, the memorable Queen of Salsa — who was born in 1925 and died in 2003 due to a brain tumor — will […]
Natti Natasha, Ha*Ash and Belinda will be honored at the third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music event, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Tuesday (April 8). The artists join Olga Tañón, Chiquis and Anitta, who were previously announced as honorees for this year.
Hosted by Mexican star Ana Bárbara, the two-hour ceremony will air live exclusively on Telemundo on April 24 at 9 p.m. ET and will celebrate “groundbreaking women shaping the future of Latin music,” according to a press statement. The show will also stream on the Telemundo app, Universo and Peacock.
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Dominican hitmaker Natti Natasha will be honored with the Unstoppable Artist Award, a nod to her sustained influence in the music industry. Natti initially burst onto the Billboard charts when she earned her first No. 1 in 2012 as a featured artist on Don Omar’s hit “Dutty Love.” Since then, she has amassed 34 career entries on the overall Latin Airplay ranking, including 17 top 10 hits, 10 of which soared to No. 1.
On the album front, her debut studio project, Iluminatti, reached new heights in 2019, breaking into the top 10 on both the Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts, with a peak at No. 3. More recently, her LP Natti Natasha en Amargue, produced by Romeo Santos, earned her a top 10 debut on the Tropical Albums chart.
Sister-duo Ha*Ash, comprised of Hanna and Ashley, will receive the Unbreakable Award, celebrating the collaboration between Latin women artists who have made an indelible impact on the music industry. Honored for their resilience, innovation and empowerment, Ha*Ash made an impressive debut in 2004, scoring their first top 10 hit on Latin Pop Airplay with “Estés Donde Estés,” which peaked at No. 9.
Over the years, they have proven their staying power, accumulating a total of 16 entries on the chart, four of which reached the top 10. The sisters recently made a notable comeback with “El Cielo Te Mandó Para Mí,” a standout track from Haashville, which reached a No. 7 high on Latin Pop Airplay. Currently, the duo is on their Haashville Tour across the U.S. and Canada
Meanwhile, Belinda is set to be honored with the Evolution Award, a special honor that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional growth, transformation, and innovation throughout their artistic journey, and an enduring impact and commitment to evolving their vision and voice. Belinda’s self-titled debut album catapulted her into the spotlight in 2003, earning her a first top 10 entry on a Billboard chart as the set reached a high of No. 6 on the Latin Pop Albums tally.
Since then, she’s had three additional top 10 albums, including Catarsis, which peaked at No. 2 in 2013. Showcasing versatility, Belinda has most recently dabbled in regional Mexican music, specifically in corridos bélicos, collaborating with the likes of Natanael Cano, Tito Double P and Netón Vega.
As previously announced, Anitta will receive the Vanguard Award, Chiquis the Impact Award and Olga Tañón will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, with the remaining honors to be announced soon.
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
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Guillermo Giraldo onstage during Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música at the Telemundo Center in Miami, FL on June 8, 2024.
Kany García
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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“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.