Women’s History Month
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, what better way to honor the extraordinary contributions of women than by celebrating the female pioneers, visionaries, and stars who have defined Latin pop? From powerful ballads to timeless dance hits, these incredible artists have shaped the genre, empowering listeners and inspiring generations through their lyrics, voices, and artistry. On March 31, we proudly present our staff picks list of the Best 50 Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time as a fitting tribute to the women who have shattered glass ceilings and barriers with their music.
But what exactly is Latin “pop”? Pop music is “characterized by a strong melody and beat, and the use of electric instruments and amplification,” as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary; and is “distinct from other forms of popular music.” Most pop music falls into the category of catchy, tight, memorable music with broad appeal. As far as “Latin pop” goes, it is basically pop, en español. And while distinct from other genres like rock, dance, tropical and reggaetón, the word “pop” essentially means “popular,” and applies to music that transcends genre confines.
It’s a hazy description, we know, and Billboard’s Latin editors debated for weeks the merits of who should be on this list; who, among hundreds of names familiar to fans across the continent, should enter the pantheon of the top 50.
In creating the list of best female Latin pop artists of all time, we looked at artists who had, first and foremost, built a catalog that’s stood the test of time. There are several new artists who we think have a brilliant future ahead of them, but could not make this list on the merits of just one or two albums. Others are great artists, but their still-limited output — say, three albums or fewer — automatically moved them lower in the list.
We also focused on artists whose music had inspired others and created long-lasting trends; who boasted unique, outstanding vocals; and who had, for the most part, significant impact on the Billboard charts. Major chart achievements meant a higher position on the chart. We also included a handful of artists that aren’t essentially pop in genre, but whose impact was such that it transcended into the realm of mass popularity, at least within the scope of Latin audiences.
Artists like Celia Cruz, the undisputed Queen of Salsa, captivated global audiences with her Afro-Caribbean rhythms at a time when salsa was primarily confined to Latin American markets. Shakira took Latin pop to unprecedented heights by combining Colombian influences with — in the case of the groundbreaking, Billboard Hot 100-topping “Hips Don’t Lie” — reggae and hip-hop elements. Similarly, Selena, hailed as the Queen of Tejano Music, brought regional Mexican sounds into the mainstream with hits like “Amor Prohibido” at a time when Spanish-language music struggled to cross over in the United States.
Then there’s Gloria Estefan, whose contributions in the ’80s and ’90s set the foundation for the global rise of Latin pop. In 1992, she made history as the first Latina performer at the Super Bowl halftime show. Decades later, Karol G became the first woman since Selena to top the Billboard 200 chart with 2023’s Mañana Será Bonito, a Spanish-language album, while achieving the unprecedented feat of becoming a global stadium performer — an historic moment for Latina artists.
That said, in compiling this list, we set clear criteria to spotlight female Spanish-language artists — focusing on Latin pop’s influence within the Hispanophone world. While we deeply appreciate artists from Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and their contributions to music, this specific list focuses on performers who are Spanish-speaking or who have consistently recorded music in Spanish.
Additionally, we made a concerted effort to focus on Latin pop by excluding hip-hop/urbano and folk singers, with two notable exceptions. Ivy Queen, widely known as the Queen of Reggaetón, earned her place thanks to her versatility and pop-forward hits that helped globalize the Puerto Rican genre as its leading female pioneer. Similarly, Mercedes Sosa, the iconic Argentine folk singer, transcended her roots and entered the realm of Latin pop through her immense cultural impact and widespread acclaim.
The Billboard Latin and Billboard Español teams took into account criteria like body of work/achievements (chart placements, awards, certifications); cultural impact/influence (how each artist’s work advanced Latin pop’s evolution and inspired cultural movements); longevity (staying power across decades and relevance in different eras); musicianship and vocal prowess (their unmistakable skill and charisma); and innovation (artistic evolution and originality within the genre).
So, without further ado, here are our picks for the Best 50 Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time!
Javiera Mena
Image Credit: Jordi Vidal/Redferns
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President Donald Trump hosted an event this week at the White House for Women’s History Month and honored some of the top women officials in his administration. During the event, President Donald Trump referred to himself as the “fertilization president” after highlighting his stances on in vitro fertilization (IVF), causing some on X to recoil in disgust.
On Wednesday (March 26), President Donald Trump held a Women’s History Month event and heaped praise upon Attorney General Pam Bondi and other key women who work alongside him. This happened in the wake of an executive order signed on Tuesday (March 25) to expand the policy on IVF access and reduce costs to patients.
The executive order is largely ceremonial, as it suggests that a domestic policy aide has three months to share recommendations to IVF policies, the Trump administration is using this moment as a time to gloat. In short, the executive order does not lower the costs of IVF or provide any inroads to helping those seeking reproductive care, but what has some turning their heads is Trump’s words regarding the order.
“We’re going to have tremendous, tremendous goodies in the bag for women too, the women between the fertilization and all of the other things that we’re talking about,” Trump said in the White House’s East Room. “It’s going to be, it’s going to be great.”
Trump added, “I’m still very proud of it, I don’t care. I’ll be known as the fertilization president, that’s not bad, that’s not bad. I’ve been called much worse.”
It appears that the president coined the nickname on the spot, and the words garnered laughter from the attendees. However, over on X, formerly Twitter, reactions to President Trump’s IVF stances and new nickname were not as favorable.
We’ve got those reactions below.
[h/t MSNBC]
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Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty
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A New York City hotspot announced a special Women’s History Month menu honoring industry trailblazers like Cardi B and Lil Kim, among others.
The midtown Manhattan Asian fusion restaurant Sei Less has become a beloved dining destination for many, including numerous celebrities since opening its doors in January 2022. And it’s adding to its prestige with the release of a new menu honoring several prominent women in the music, entertainment, and media industries for Women’s History Month. The new prix-fixe three-course menu is now available to all patrons at Sei Less as of Monday (March 3) for $50 per person.
The new menu features cherished items by celebrity diners such as the Angie Martinez appetizer of shrimp satay with peanut sauce, and the Cardi B featuring lobster poached in a “beurre blanc” butter with shallots and shiro-dashi wine. Actress and philanthropist La La Anthony is honored with her favorite Beijing Chicken, and the chocolate mousse is named after the Queen Bee of Hip-Hop herself, Lil’ Kim.
The Women’s History Menu is a continuation of Sei Less’ tradition of honoring the culture through their culinary offerings curated by veteran chef Allen Ma. In 2023, they released a special Hip-Hop 50 menu honoring New York City icons such as Jay-Z, Nas, Fat Joe, Ja Rule, and French Montana, among others. In February 2024, they celebrated R&B and Hip-Hop love songs from Babyface, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo, and SZA with a “Lover’s Menu.”
“We’re very fortunate to receive such amazing support from this incredible group of women from the greater New York area, so as a heartfelt tribute, we wanted to honor these remarkable trailblazers and their impact on culture in our own special New York way,” said Sei Less founder Dara Mirjahangiry in a statement. “We’re proud to celebrate their creativity and influence with a special menu for Women’s History Month tailored to some of their favorite dishes whenever they visit the restaurant. They have been long-time supporters of Sei Less and this gesture is simply our unique way of expressing our gratitude.”
With International Women’s Day (March 8) just around the corner, and Women’s History Month in full swing, the editors of Billboard Latin and Billboard Español have compiled 28 of the best Latin music anthems by female artists. The list includes powerful songs across different music genres that may have marked a before and after in […]
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As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we’re highlighting some of the women-owned small businesses that should be on your radar.
According to a recent report, female-owned businesses make up 39 percent of all businesses in the U.S., bringing in a reported $2.1 trillion. Additionally, the number of women-owned businesses doubled compared to male-owned businesses between 2019 and 2023 and more than quadrupled between 2022 and 2023.
The future is female. See below for a list of women-owned and female-founded beauty and fashion brands to shop.
Yensa Beauty
Former Power Rangers actress Jennifer Yen’s Yensa Beauty brings “superfood science” to your beauty routine.
Trending on Billboard
The beauty brand carries a range of high-performance complexion cosmetics and skincare products each infused with eight superfoods to help nourish and improve your skin over time.
Yensa Beauty
Yensa Beauty Super Serum Silk Foundation
Nodpod
Nodpod founder and CEO Melissa Bamberg is passionate about “helping people feel their best every day,” and sleep plays a big part in that.
Nodpod’s Pressure Blocking Sleep Mask offers the comfort of a “weighted blanket for your eyes” or a “hug for your brain,” per the product description, and it’s a bestseller at Amazon with over 2,000 sold in the last month.
Amazon
Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask
The lightweight, sleep mask is made of soft silk and velvet and filled with beads that apply slight pressure to your eyes for deeper relaxation. What do shoppers think? Nodpod is a “sleep game changer” according to one customer review.
Hill House Home
Nell Diamond founded Hill House Home with the hope of making “happy things for happy places” and she’s succeeding with a range of midi and maxi dresses featuring lightweight fabrics, ruffles, adorable prints and a loyal fanbase.
Hill House Home
Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress
The brand carries a lovely selection of dresses that are perfect for spring and summer including the signature Nap Dress (it’s also breastfeeding-friendly). Save 25% off with the code SPRING25.
Maison Miru
This independent, direct-to-consumer jewelry brand creates pieces made for work and play. Designed by former engineer Maison Miru, the brand makes waterproof, sweatproof jewelry designed for continuous wear (they even have a collection of earrings that won’t hurt your ears while you’re taking a nap).
Also, the jewelry comes packaged in cute little boxes.
Maison Miru
Maison Miru Classic Huggie Hoops
TomboyX
TomboyX is a gender-inclusive, queer-owned brand founded in 2013 by married couple Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez. The brand carries sustainable bras, boxers, briefs, gender-affirming underwear, swimwear, tees, tanks, hoodies, joggers and more in sizes 3XS-6X.
TomboyX
TomboyX Boy Shorts
TomboyX’s popular boy shorts are available in various colors including black, charcoal, burnt orange and rainbow prints.
Alterre
Founded by Shilpa Iyengar and Harmony Pilobello, Alterre is a sustainable footwear brand featuring ethically made designs in nice prints as well as solid colors.
Alterre
Alterre Painted Snake Pointed Loafer + Twiggy Strap
Each shoe features foam-padded insoles and interchangeable straps, making it easy to instantly switch up your look.
PerfectDD
With PerfectDD, founder and CEO Alice Kim set out to create figure-flattering, fun and flirty tops for women with fuller busts.
PerfectDD
PerfectDD Krista Tulip Sleeve Scoop
The Krista Tulip top offers the versatility of a basic T-shirt with a scoop-neck design, and in a few different colors such as black, white, gray and army green (sizes X-SX).
Dezi Eyewear
Dezi Eyewear is TikTok– and Beyoncé-approved. The eyewear brand, founded by influencer Desi Perkins, features stylish sunglasses for under $100. You can find Dezi Eyewear at desi.co and Nordstrom.
Dezi Eyewear
Dezi Eyewear Drippy 59mm Sunglasses
Daydreamer
For the daydreaming music lover. Daydreamer is an LA-based streetwear brand founded by Laura Glover that has tops, bottoms and oversized band tees covering just about every music genre you can think of including alternative rock, pop, pop rock, hip-hop, country and metal.
Daydreamer
Daydreamer Shania Let’s Go Girls Vintage Tee
ThirdLove
ThirdLove was founded by Heidi Zak and Ra’el Cohen to provide “a third, better option” between comfortable bras and sexy bras.
ThirdLove
ThirdLove T-Shirt Bra
Shoppers can’t stop talking about ThirdLove’s bestselling T-shirt bra. It’s a supportive, comfortable everyday bra that has nearly 60,000 customer reviews and a 4.5-star rating. The bra is available in a dozen colors and cup sizes ranging from A-H.
Thigh Society
Big or small, Thigh Society covers them all! Founded by Marnie Rabinovitch Consky, Thigh Society makes size-inclusive, anti-chafing, multi-wear slip shorts, the first of which was introduced in 2009.
Thigh Society
Thigh Society The Staple Short
The Staple short is nicknamed “Goldilocks” because it’s not too thick or too sheer — it just right. The comfortable short is available in sizes ranging from XS-6XL (in black, beige, rosette, lilac and indigo).
For more recommendations, read our picks for the best tote bags for travel, best workout gear and
The road to success in regional Mexican music, a genre historically dominated by men, has been difficult for women. But their constant struggle over the years has led them to have a greater presence at the forefront, although they are still a minority and much remains to be done to achieve equality. Even those who […]
After the death of her mother in 2017, Olga Tañón went through troubling times that were exacerbated by the arrival of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“I can’t say that I went into depression … I got anxious,” the Puerto Rican tropical music star tells Billboard Español. “I didn’t sing for two and a half years.” She also mentions she gained a considerable amount of weight, and that she still wears a mask to protect her daughter Gabriela, who has been dealing with a rare genetic disorder and autoimmune conditions for years.
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But during her lockdown period at her Ocala, Florida home, the “Mujer de Fuego” (Fire Woman) decided to take back the reins of her life. She not only sang again, but she underwent bariatric surgery to lose the extra pounds, after acknowledging that she wasn’t able to do it on her own. The characteristically bold artist has openly spoken about this experience via social media.
After that, she went off to record over 25 songs — she’s already released more than a dozen, the most recent being the tongue-in-cheek vallenato cut “Perro Arrepentido.” Furthermore, the star is back on stage, showcasing her signature energetic performances though her live shows. Now she is preparing to travel the world with her Simetría Tour, which will take her to Latin America, Europe and the U.S. starting this June in Peru.
“I am very happy,” says the hitmaker of songs like “Cómo Olvidar,” “Así es la Vida” and “Basta Ya” — who in her over-three-decade career has landed 38 singles on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart and holds the record as the woman with the most top 10s on the Tropical Airplay listing, with a staggering 28. “I think we all had a big resurgence after the pandemic, which hit many people so hard.”
In honor of Women’s History Month, Billboard introduced its “Las Poderosas” series, featuring a select number of powerful Latinas getting real about the word “empowerment,” as well as about their space in Latin music and more. The series debuted on March 20 with LALI and continued on the 22nd with Nathy Peluso and Carla Morrison on the 23rd. Read our exclusive Q&A with Olga Tañón below:
What does empowerment mean to you as an artist and as a woman?
To take control of things and not depend on others. I always tell women — and I am very clear — when they ask me, “Olga, why did you decide to have a bariatric procedure if you could [lose weight on your own]?” I’m like, “You know what? Because I wanted to!” That is very easy to answer. The decision was completely mine, because you are the only person who is going to take the risks and the consequences. And empowerment for me is really doing what you want, but coming out triumphant, even if it hurts.
What does empowerment NOT mean to you?
Sitting at home doing nothing and thinking that things are never really going to change. Lazy people, people who fall and say, “Oh, I can’t handle this anymore” … I haven’t been through — and I pray to God that I never go through it — the loss of a child. Whenever I have met people who have lost a child, you know, it’s been a terrible thing that never, ever — even though I have a daughter with a serious condition — crosses my mind.
But it happened to one of my best friends, and it is the example that she gives me. She tells me: “If I sit down to mourn my daughter my whole life, I’m going to destroy it.” And she has become a beautiful influencer who talks about wonderful things. Turning yourself into a potato is not empowerment. [Empowerment] is taking advantage of those difficult times to get back up and emerge stronger.
What is the best advice you have received as a woman in music?
To not deny myself of new opportunities. Because there are many people who are convinced that theirs is the absolute truth of the whole world and universe, and they are wrong. I believe that you can also do some kind of fusion within the things that you do. I love staying current, but I don’t close myself off to other things either. It is one thing to be faithful to your roots, and another thing to have an open mind to continue learning new sounds, new proposals.
Which woman has served you as a mentor or role model?
My mom, a woman who studied up to sixth grade; they took her out of school because she had to raise all her siblings, because there was hunger in her house. My mom always told me that the greatest pain a human being can have is the pain of hunger. And she taught me many things. Mami was a loving but rustic woman. I used to tell her, “You are like a rose, beautiful from above but with some thorns that annoy.” But they told you the truth. My mom taught me to keep going and forget about the things that people say. If you pay attention to every thing that others tell you, you will never live your own life.
Have things changed for Latina women in music in the last five years?
I have seen a tremendous change, especially in urbano women. In the tropical genre, there are still not many [female artists] — or unfortunately if there are many, they have not been given the value that they should be given. But I’ve seen a lot of women, which is something that I love … [It started with the rapper] Lisa M in Puerto Rico, and obviously the one who has maintained all this is Ivy Queen — because sometimes I say, “It’s not the first, it’s the one who maintains it,” and she has kept going. Well look, we are seeing girls like Karol G, who is really taking half the world by storm right now, and I am more than proud of all those girls.
What is your favorite girl-power song?
The songs that I live to sing in my shows — and it’s like I sing it for the first time, and [it] gets me emotional in the same way — are actually two: “La Gran Fiesta” and “Basta Ya,” a song that came out 28 or 29 years ago, when the word “empowerment” wasn’t so in style. These type of songs give you enough strength to learn to say “go to hell” to all the things that are not good for you and don’t nourish your soul. Also it’s like in “La Gran Fiesta,” to recognize that life has its bad moments, that when it hits you it doesn’t warn you, but you cherish the most beautiful little moments that you experience. And that reminds me a lot of my mom, because she had the opportunity to listen to it before she died, and every time I sing it I feel like I’m flying.
After taking a break in 2017 and spending some time out of the spotlight, Carla Morrison recounts a more positive return to the stage than she imagined with El Renacimiento Tour, which began in May 2022 and continues in 2023. Between laughs, the Mexican singer-songwriter describes to Billboard Español how happy she felt to reunite with her fans and to hear their longing for her romantic music in times of reggaetón.
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Her perspective on touring is different this time.
With more self-awareness, the wisdom of someone who has worked on herself, and an assertiveness that she attributes to experience, Morrison expresses: “I have very clear limits, my routine, my priorities, and my values. I also think it’s my age, I’m about to turn 37 and I feel less serious about everything. I say to myself: ‘Carla, is just music, no one is going to die… Enjoy it!’”
She did not always have the same confidence. When Morrison began to take her first steps in music, she was ashamed to charge for her performances. It was her mother who insisted to her: “Mija, fight for what is yours.” She now understands that her mother wanted to teach her to fight for her rights.
Since then, she has faced many challenges as a woman in music. “To be compared, to be branded, to be called many names. My music has been used without asking for permission… by men with a lot of power,” she recalls. When she complained about not receiving credit for her music, she was told she should be thankful.
However, asked about the future, Morrison says without hesitation: “The future is female. We are gaining more ground and we are finally getting the place we deserve. And when that happens, it’s just going to be a world filled with love, compassion, tenderness, and opportunity. There are going to be many more women in production, on stage, in photography, in art, and management. You will see many women participating and learning without fear.”
Recently, Morrison collaborated with Karol G on the song “Mañana Será Bonito,” which peaked at No. 19 on the Hot Latin Songs chart dated March 11. The track also earned Morrison her first Billboard Hot 100 entry. The composition was a request by the Colombian artist and Morrison wasn’t expecting to sing on it. She remembers that her husband (with whom she usually writes songs) pointed out that “Mañana Será Bonito” should be the title of the song. To their surprise, it ended up being the title chosen by the Colombian star for her historic album.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Billboard kicked off its “Las Poderosas” series, featuring a select number of powerful Latinas who get real about the word “empowerment,” their space in Latin music, and more. The series debuted on March 20 with LALI and continued on the 22nd with Nathy Peluso. Read the exclusive Q&A with Morrison below:
What does empowerment mean to you as an artist and as a woman?
It’s remembering your rights and what you deserve like any human being in this world. I think women have often fallen into that place where we feel that we should not ask, question or demand, because we look bad, because we should be grateful … But in reality, we have every right to question, ask and demand. I believe that empowering yourself is putting yourself in the place that you should always be, knowing your value, our work, and the quality and value of our work.
What does empowerment NOT mean to you?
Making decisions based on fear, based on saying, ‘No, I’m not going to ask and I’m not going to say anything because [when I’m quiet] I look prettier.’ I think that this is not empowering. And it is not empowering to attack men either.
What is the best advice you have received as a woman in music?
When I was just starting, I wrote to Julieta Venegas through MySpace, and I told her, “I’m from Tecate, I’m starting music and I wanted to ask you for some advice — because I saw that you left very young, how did you manage?” And she told me: “Carla, I just left, I fought for my dream — if I can, you can.” And that is one of the things I remember and treasure a lot, because she made me see something that I felt so unattainable as very achievable. Something as simple as a word of support, someone telling you, “You can do it too,” is priceless.
Which woman has served you as a mentor or role model?
Hijole, the truth is going to sound very cliché, but I think that the person who has inspired me the most in my life is my mother. There have been so many women who have given me good advice, but my mother is the woman I admire the most — because she is a very strong and hard-working woman. She always told me that writing, singing and being an artist was good. And she always brings me back to earth when I travel a lot in my thoughts. My mom has been my mom, but also my friend and my accomplice. And I know not all of us have that.
Have things changed for Latina women in music in the last five years?
I think that things have changed in the aspect of the sisterhood. I think that among women we support, celebrate and accept each other more, and we criticize each other less. What I do think hasn’t changed is this very sexual part, of feeling that we have to expose ourselves to sell. I think some women show off their bodies because they love it and that’s fine. So, if that’s their way of presenting their work, that’s fine with me, because they feel comfortable. I don’t feel so comfortable there with the boobs out and so on, but I see other girls who do it and I say: awesome! If it works for you … Amazing! But it’s not my style.
Favorite girl power song?
A song that spoke to me about female empowerment when I was very young and made me cry when I heard it was “Quisieras Andar Conmigo” by Julieta Venegas. I remember when I heard it I said, “Julieta, what!” It is something that never happens. I thought it was cool that a girl wrote a song that talks about something that men usually do. And right now, clearly [“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”] by Shakira and Bizarrap. By being honest, [Shakira] empowered herself, but women empowered her more, and so it became this Amazon-like force. And another song is “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé.
Armed with confidence, artistic prowess and infectious beats and lyrics, Nathy Peluso has quickly become one of the most fascinating artists of our time.
After releasing her first full-length album Calambre in 2020, which scored her a few Latin Grammy nominations, Peluso was catapulted to worldwide acclaim — thanks to a creative spirit that’s allowed her to thrive in different spaces, as a true chameleon in the industry. She’s taken genres such as salsa, bachata, R&B, pop and funk and effortlessly made them her own.
“The best advice I’ve received as a woman in music was from my mom, to never compromise my authenticity for anyone or anything,” the “Estás Buenísimo” singer tells Billboard.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Billboard kicked off its “Las Poderosas” series, featuring a select number of powerful Latinas who get real about the word “empowerment,” their space in Latin music, and more. The series launched Monday (March 20) with LALI, which you can read here.
Below, our exclusive Q&A with Peluso:
What does empowerment mean to you as an artist and as a woman?
Empowerment to me as an artist and as a woman means having the freedom to express myself, create my art, and make my own decisions without being constrained by societal expectations or prejudices. It’s about embracing my identity and my strength and inspiring others to do the same.
What does empowerment NOT mean to you?
Empowerment does NOT mean putting others down or diminishing their experiences. It’s not about being better than anyone else, but rather about recognizing and celebrating our unique qualities and using them to uplift and support each other.
What is the best advice you have received as a woman in music?
The best advice I’ve received as a woman in music was from my mom, to never compromise my authenticity for anyone or anything. Staying true to myself, my values, and my art has been key to my success and personal fulfillment.
Which woman has served you as a mentor or role model? Who do you admire and why?
I have always admired J.Lo for her incredible talent, work ethic, and multifaceted career. She has broken barriers for Latinas in music, film, and business.
Have things changed for Latin women in music in the last five years and how?
In the last five years, things have changed for Latin women in music in many ways. There is now more visibility, representation, and support for female artists in the industry. We have seen a rise in successful Latina singers and songwriters across various genres, breaking down stereotypes and challenging the status quo. While progress has been made, there’s still much work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and recognition for Latin women in music.
What is your favorite “girl power” song?
My favorite “girl power” song is “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. It’s a classic anthem that has inspired generations of women to stand up for themselves and demand the respect they deserve.
If her Instagram account is any indication, LALI is living her best touring life.
Most recently, the Argentine singer-songwriter — who’s on her Disciplina trek — made history with a sold-out concert at the Velez Sarsfield Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in front of more than 45,000 people, becoming the first singer to sell out a show at that soccer stadium.
“It’s impossible to express what I feel after this sold-out show,” she wrote on social media. “Thanks to all who vibed with me. I am so proud of my dream team that is always by my side and made this happen. I’m also proud of myself for working hard to give you the best of me. A dream, that was once just a dream, came true.”
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LALI owes this career milestone, and others like it, to her female-led team that backs her up. “For me, empowerment is a collective thing,” she tells Billboard. “It’s not so individual or personal, it’s more what I learn from others and what I can spread to others.”
In honor of Women’s History Month, Billboard kicks off its “Las Poderosas” series featuring a select number of powerful Latinas who get real about the word “empowerment,” their space in Latin music, and more. The series launches Monday (March 20) with LALI. Read our exclusive Q&A below:
What does empowerment mean to you as an artist and as a woman?
Being able to develop freely and with that freedom generate a contagion effect on other colleagues. For example, not only those of us who are at the forefront of a project but also those who are working behind our projects. [Empowerment] means generating that feminine synergy in a work environment that not only embraces one as the main artist but also all the people who participate in the project, mainly the women who promote the artist. For me, empowerment is a collective thing. It’s not so individual or personal, it’s more what I learn from others and what I can spread to others.
What does empowerment NOT mean to you?
The opposite of what I just said… looking at empowerment as an egoic matter and of personal success. Using your role as a woman in the industry and if you only achieve it as your own success or for yourself, then I think it doesn’t make sense to talk about empowerment.
Lali Esposito during a performance of the Argentine national anthem ahead of the FIFA World Cup final at Lusail Stadium, Qatar. Picture date: Sunday December 18, 2022.
Nick Potts/PA Images/GI
What is the best advice you have received as a woman in music?
I don’t know if it was advice but I think that thanks to other women who set the trends, I realized that in the end, they had told us that there is always a guy behind the success of certain women. But finding out on my own by being behind my idols, I realized that no. That the ideas are generally theirs, that they have defended positions, and that to break structures you have to stand up as a woman and your vision, and for that, you need others on your team to elevate that.
Which woman has served you as a mentor or role model? Who do you admire and why?
Artistically, I feel that for me in my teens Beyoncé was very important because I realized that my dream was to do 360 of everything. There was content, there were lyrics, there was dancing, well… singing like her, but without a doubt, she was a woman who marked me a lot. And of Argentine national rock, there are many women who have marked my childhood, thanks to my mother who has made me listen to a lot of music such as Celeste Carballo and Fabiana Cantillo. They were women who at the time have been pioneers and came to occupy a place in a very difficult environment where normally it was all male.
Have things changed for Latin women in music in the last five years and how?
I don’t know if things have changed, I think there is a bit of everything. It was about time that there was a real force of women to occupy a leading role, to compete with men on the charts, or see that there really are Latina women today No. 1 in the world. That is incredible, it is necessary, and it also speaks of an audience that she has understood. Not only would it be possible for women to do a good job and place themselves there, but the public understood that women can occupy those spaces, and the public has re-educated itself and pushed women where they should be. I think it’s a collective effort.
What is your favorite “girl power” song?
Wow! They are a lot. I think Beyonce’s “Formation” could be it. It lifts me up!