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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.
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.
Ana Bárbara is known for her spectacular performances and for taking over the stage. On Sunday night (June 9), she did it in spades, opening the second edition of Billboard Latin Women in Music with an impressive medley that included “Te Regalo la Lluvia,” “Los Caminos e la Vida,” “Qué Poca” and “La Trampa” accompanied […]
Kany García, a lifelong champion of change and social justice, was honored with the Spirit of Change award at the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 gala, which aired Sunday from Miami’s Telemundo Center. Accompanied by an eight-piece pop/rock band, the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter performed her new autobiographical song “García” and her hit “Te Lo […]
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 […]
It’s a new era for Rauw Alejandro. Fresh off the release of his first solo single since August, the disco-tinged “Touching the Sky,” and announcing an upcoming album, the Puerto Rican artist has taken center stage across the international festival circuit.
The announcement of his headlining slot at the upcoming Coca-Cola Music Fest and Baja Beach Fest highlights his escalating prominence, following a top billing at Chicago’s Sueños last month. Yet his ascension feels most pronounced at New York’s Governor’s Ball Music Festival, the genre-spanning festival that ties his roots and personal narrative within the bustling energy of the Big Apple.
On Friday (June 7) at 7:30 p.m., the superstar lit up Gov Ball’s GoPuff stage. Dressed in a striped suit that harked back to the late 1960s, a tribute to West Side Story, Rauw unleashed a performance charged with boundless energy and impeccable dance moves. Over the course of an hour, he rolled out hits like “Al Callao’,” “Panties y Brasieres,” “Party,” “Desesperados,” “Desenfocao,’” and “Todo de Ti,” blending hard-hitting reggaetón with riveting dance-pop anthems.
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His connection to the crowd was palpable: “I’ve always had a special connection to this city. My dad was born in Brooklyn. It’s a meeting point for many cultures,” he said to the audience. “Many of us left our country in search of opportunities and dreams. And I feel that here you can fulfill all the dreams that you want to do in life. In my case, a dream is being fulfilled by sharing it here with all of you, a dream that I am living today, thanks to all of you who have supported me since day one.”
Marco Perretta
Gov Ball, with its iconic New York-inspired elements like a tattooed Statue of Liberty and city memorabilia, saw Rauw honor NYC in his own unique way. A subway train replica served as his stage backdrop, setting the scene for a powerhouse dance performance that pulled from his admiration of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” and Chris Brown moves, assuring all of his superstar caliber. In a standout highlight, the performer got off the stage to sing among the tens of thousands of fest-goers.
Moments before his dynamic act, Billboard Español caught up with the Puerto Rican artist to discuss his upcoming album, and the personal stories that shape his public persona and electrifying performances.
It’s exciting to have you here in New York headlining at Gov Ball. How are you feeling about today’s performance?
I’m really excited. It’s my first time. It’s a big deal. In the last few years, there have been a lot of Latinos headlining U.S. festivals. We are here.
Do you prepare differently to perform a headlining festival set in comparison to your own concerts or while on tour? How does the experience differ to you?
It’s different. In festivals, you share a stage with other artists, so you don’t have two or three hours to do a show. My shows are normally two and a half hours long, arena and stadium shows. But festivals, it’s like we’re united as artists. We’re sharing energy with the public. The festival starts midday until 10 p.m., so it’s like a quick teaser. Festivals are more fun, more energetic. I focus more on what people like. I just want to have a good time. My concert, I just go into my album concept, and then I try to tell a whole story about it, and promote your new album. With festivals, we use it more for promoting singles. It’s the taste before the tour. I remember my first festival, when I didn’t have an album yet six years ago. It was just promoting me as a new artist. Festivals are that opportunity. I’m headlining this festival, and I have a special surprise for the people here. My dad is from Brooklyn; I have a lot of family in New York, so there’s that special connection. And this weekend is the Puerto Rican Day parade. Puerto Rico is here.
Dance is such a significant element of your performances. Can you share some insights into how you develop your choreography? Who are your choreographers?
I’ve been working with FeFe Burgos. He’s also Puerto Rican. He’s been in New York for a long time. He’s been dancing with many artists. I’ve been with him for around six years. Also, we collaborated with all the choreographers. It’s how you mix this Latin flavor with all these other types of dancing around the world, with hip-hop, jazz and contemporary. I even have a small foundation of ballet. I have always danced my whole life, just for fun.
In my opinion, you are the best dancer, taking the genre’s performances to the next level.
I realized that this is where I want to be, so I started studying a little bit more. I try to get better and better with time, [incorporating] the salsa flavor. There’s been so many artists through past generations that have inspired me. I remember seeing Michael Jackson when I was a boy.
My dad has been a huge fan of Elvis Presley and James Brown. So it’s like you grew up with that style. Since I was young, all [dance] performers caught my attention. I was like, watching them [thinking], “Oh my God, I want to be like them.” I’m hyper. I cannot be on the stage [sitting still]. I need to move.
You recently released “Touching the Sky,” your first solo single since August (“Hayami Hana”).
Yes, new single, new era. I tried to divide my projects by eras and characters. It’s just a starting flavor. I got an album that’s almost ready. I try not to repeat albums, soundwise. In all my albums, you will always find reggaetón. Your essence will always be there. It’s different touch, perspective and musical colors. I did “Touching the Sky” a few months ago, and it feels like summer is coming. It’s that vibe. I don’t plan exactly what song is going to be [the first single]. It’s just how you feel at that moment. We’re going with a New York vibe. And I filmed in New York. It was really fun.
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You channel an old dapper New York era. What were your influences?
It’s a little bit more like late ’60s and ’70s, West Side Story, Broadway, it’s theatrical. Before I started [making] music, I was doing theater at 16, 17 years. So I like to mix theater with music. On Saturno, I started doing short films for my albums. For this one we’re preparing, you’re going to see the contrast between my albums and what I did in Saturno last year. It’s going to be the opposite.
I loved freestyle, too. On a different subject, Billboard reported in December that you left Eric Duars and that you have a new management. How has this change influenced your career direction?
I think everything is for the better. I always try to grow as an artist. I’ve been in this game for almost nine years now. I started in the music business by myself, officially in 2015. Then in 2017, I signed with them [Duars]. And now, 2024. It has been long time. You grow up, you learn. What we did together was great. Now it’s just a different vision, a different perspective. But that doesn’t have to be… it’s just business. I have a great team right now. I’m 31 years old, a grown ass man. I feel really happy at this moment of my life. I feel in control of my whole career. I know what I want to do. I have my notes. I learned. It’s just part of growing.
Many of your oldest fans, including myself, first discovered your music on SoundCloud over five years ago. How do you think starting on such a platform influenced your music career?
SoundCloud was a huge tool for me when I started my career. I really support SoundCloud artists, and YouTube. Back in the day, it was just SoundCloud and YouTube before big platforms. I remember in the Island, everybody was down with SoundCloud, listening to this s— in SoundCloud. It was a small group. Myke Towers, Alvarito Díaz. Even Bad Bunny. All the artists back in the days, like in 2017.
Now you’re headlining so many festivals: a Coca-Cola Festival, you did Sueños [last month], you’re going to be a Baja Beach Fest headliner. That’s a big growth.
I was seeing the old festival flyers the other day. My name was little, and now we’re headliners!
With fame your personal life becomes public too, such as your breakup with your ex [Rosalía]. How have you faced those experiences in the public eye and how have you found strength or inspiration to grow personally?
I think that’s part of life, growing and learning. We are here, and I’m just focused right now on the present and my future. All these [past] life experiences, I just use it for being a better person.
How was going to the Met Gala?
The Met Gala was fun. It was my first time. I felt like this kid in a new school. I was like, “What’s up? My name is Rauw. Hi, I’m Puerto Rican.” It was fun. We had the after parties and everything. I’ve been around fashion for the last few years. I think music and fashion always [go well] together.
Speaking of fashion, what are you wearing tonight on stage?
I work with my stylist. Shout out to Chloe and Chanel. We worked with them also for a few years. They are amazing. But you are going to see some classic Rauw, like an old salsa generation. It’s going to be really fun.
Marco Perretta
Any new tattoos?
I’m working on it. I haven’t had the time, but I want to tat my legs, my back, everything. The only thing I’m not going to do in my life, because [I promised] my grandma, was my face.
Last words?
It’s a new Rauw, new era, new music. The album is something amazing. I always like to do my final touches in Puerto Rico. I think it’s just good luck. Puerto Rico has this magic touch that no other place has, in my opinion. The biggest artists in the Latin world, most of them are in the Island. It has something magical. If you guys want to find out, you need to go and have a visit to the Island.
