Latinas celebrated by Billboard demand more space in music
In a night of powerful messages, glamour and tributes, Billboard celebrated the women of Latin music for the third consecutive year at a gala held in Miami on Thursday, where the notable absentee was the main honoree: Selena Gomez .
Those who were present were the renowned Anitta , Belinda , Ha*Ash, Chiquis , Natti Natasha and Olga Tañón, who received recognition in the categories of Vanguard, Evolution, Unbreakable, Impact, Unstoppable and Career, respectively.
"We have to use our voice to change the world, to say how difficult it is to be a woman in this industry. Unfortunately, there's still a long way to go," Anitta told EFE, receiving her award from Yailín La Más Viral and a special video from Shakira .
The ceremony, hosted by Mexican singer-songwriter Ana Bárbara , featured musical numbers by the award winners, who performed some of their greatest hits from the beginning of their careers.
Chiquis took advantage of the stage to pay tribute to her mother, the late Mexican music star Jenni Rivera , in addition to performing some of her songs .
One of the most moving moments of the night was the posthumous tribute to Celia Cruz , on the occasion of the centenary of her birth. The unforgettable Cuban Guarachera was recognized with the Legend award, and her legacy came to life on stage thanks to performances by Tañón, La India , and Ivy Queen, who thrilled the audience with a selection of her most danceable anthems.
" Celia was the one who taught me to believe that it was possible for someone like me to succeed in music. She's my godmother and she's still with me," La India told EFE, wearing a green wig in honor of the Cuban artist.
Ana Bárbara also shared the stage with the band Yahritza y su Esencia to perform their new song "Besos Robados," marking a generational fusion between traditional regional Mexican music and the new movement.
Selena Gomez , who received the 2025 Woman of the Year award, sent a video message apologizing for her absence due to recording commitments with 'Only Murders in the Building' in New York.
"As a Latina, I've worked since I was a child to celebrate our culture, and it's very exciting to be recognized alongside all these women who share the same culture ," said the Texas artist, who said that her Spanish-language album was one of the most important moments of her life because she knew her grandmother would be very proud of her.
Luis Fonsi , Prince Royce and Eddy Herrera joined the tribute and offered words of support to the female talent from the stage.
"These women inspire me and represent the most important thing in Latin music," Herrera told EFE. She presented the award to Natti Natasha , who dedicated it to the victims of the Jet Set nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), which occurred on April 8.
"The best thing about tonight is the gathering of women , sisters, at these awards . They're an opportunity to exchange ideas, celebrate ourselves, see what we've accomplished and what's left to do, while ensuring that there's an ever-increasing space for the wonderful artists who are coming up," the Dominican told EFE.
A pink carpetThe gala had begun with the artists parading down a pink carpet , which was dominated by jewel tones and metallic elements like those worn by Ana Bárbara , Anitta , Lele Pons, Yailin La Más Viral and Hannah and Ashley, the members of the duo Ha*Ash.
Chiquis and Belinda opted for gray and a mermaid cut, while Natti Natasha opted for a mix of rust tones in a fitted dress with a plunging neckline.
In addition to celebrating careers, the gala also served as a platform to present initiatives such as the BRAVAS Foundation , headed by Sonia Clavell , Ivy Queen's longtime manager.
"We are offering a platform for women to develop their talents with freedom, dignity, and purpose, breaking cycles of limitation and paving new paths for future generations," Clavell explained.
The foundation will provide music distribution, public relations, creative production, digital strategy, networking, and professional mentoring services to female artists at all stages of their careers.
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