Billboard Latin Women in Music
Latin music award honoring women
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Billboard Latin Women in Music is an annual event presented by Billboard magazine for "groundbreaking women who are shaping the future of Latin music".[1] The event was created in 2023 as a "response to an exploding Latin music business that crossed borders and continents but was united in language and repertoire".[2] Since its inception, the event has been broadcast by Telemundo.[1]
| Billboard Latin Women in Music | |
|---|---|
| Awarded for | "groundbreaking women who are shaping the future of Latin music" |
| Country | United States |
| Presented by | Billboard |
| First award | 2023 |
| Currently held by | Rosalía (2026 Woman of the Year) |
| Website | billboard |
| Television/radio coverage | |
| Network | Telemundo |
Ana Gabriel, Emilia, Evaluna Montaner, Goyo, Thalía, and Shakira were among the first honorees at the inaugural event, with the latter being named Woman of the Year.[3] Karol G and Selena Gomez, who have won Woman of the Year in 2024 and 2025 respectively,[4][5] were also named Woman of the Year at the all-genre Billboard Women in Music awards in 2024 and 2017, respectively.[6][7]
List of honorees
| † | Indicates posthumous recipient |
|---|---|
Woman of the Year Award
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".[8]
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Legend Award
The Legend Award is presented to artists who have left a "unique and immeasurable legacy and have significantly impacted the industry throughout their careers with their musical work".[11]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |  |
Ana Gabriel | Mexico | [12] |
| 2024 |  |
Gloria Estefan | Cuba United States |
[4] |
| 2025 |  |
Celia Cruz † | Cuba United States |
[13] |
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes "an emerging talent’s success in growing their musical prowess and solidifying their place in the industry".[14]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |  |
Emilia | Argentina | [15] |
| 2024 |  |
Kali Uchis | United States | [14] |
Visionary Award
The Visionary Award is presented to an artist for "developing a sound and aesthetic that are intensely personal, are all her own, and cross genres and styles".[16]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |  |
María Becerra | Argentina | [16] |
Tradition and Future Award
The Tradition and Future Award is presented to an artist for "maintaining alive the musical and artistic tradition of her family".[17]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |  |
Evaluna Montaner | Venezuela | [18] |
Musical Dynasty Award
The Musical Dynasty Award is presented an artist for "continuing the legacy of an emblematic family".[19]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |  |
Ángela Aguilar | Mexico United States |
[19] |
Agent of Change Award
The Agent of Change Award is presented to an artist for "shining a positive light through her music and activism on equal rights".[17]
Global Powerhouse Award
The Global Powerhouse Award is presented to an artist for their "indelible contributions in the Latin pop field for more than three decades".[21]
Global Impact Award
The Global Impact Award is presented to an artist who has an "exceptional ability to connect with audiences worldwide, not only through their music but also by positively influencing popular culture, as well as serving as ambassadors of Latin culture on a global scale".[14]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |  |
Camila Cabello | United States | [14] |
| 2026 |  |
Becky G | United States | [22] |
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an artist for their musical trajectory.[23][24]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |  |
Ana Bárbara | Mexico | [23] |
| 2025 |  |
Olga Tañón | Puerto Rico | [24] |
| 2026 |  |
Gloria Trevi | Mexico | [25] |
Spirit of Change Award
The Spirit of Change Award is presented to an artist who "drives positive change within music, society and beyond entertainment".[23]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |  |
Kany García | Puerto Rico | [23] |
| 2026 | _(cropped).jpg) |
Joy Huerta | Mexico | [22] |
Pioneer Award
The Pioneer Award is presented to an artist who "pioneered new paths, broken barriers and inspired future generations through their innovative artistry, cultural impact and enduring legacy".[26]
Vanguard Award
The Vanguard Award is presented to an artist for their "groundbreaking contributions to Latin pop".[24]
Impact Award
The Impact Award is presented to an artist for their "extraordinary contributions to the music industry and society".[24]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |  |
Chiquis Rivera | United States | [24] |
Unstoppable Artist Award
The Unstoppable Artist Award is presented to an artist for their "sustained influence in the music industry".[28]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |  |
Natti Natasha | Dominican Republic | [28] |
| 2026 | _(cropped).png) |
Young Miko | Puerto Rico | [27] |
Unbreakable Award
The Unbreakable Award is presented for "collaboration between Latin women artists who have made an indelible impact on the music industry".[28]
Evolution Award
The Evolution Award is presented to an artist who has "demonstrated exceptional growth, transformation, and innovation throughout their artistic journey, and an enduring impact and commitment to evolving their vision and voice".[28]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |  |
Belinda | Mexico | [28] |
| 2026 |  |
Lola Índigo | Spain | [25] |
Artistic Excellence Award
The Artistic Excellence Award is presented to an artist whose "work is defined by exceptional craftsmanship, consistency, and a distinct creative identity".[28]
| Year | Image | Recipient | Nationality | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | .jpg) |
Julieta Venegas | Mexico | [22] |
See also
- Leading Ladies of Entertainment, a similar award presented by the Latin Recording Academy
- List of media awards honoring women
- Women in Latin music