The inaugural Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música gala brought together the biggest names in music to celebrate female artists and executives who continue to elevate Latin music globally and impact positive change on the industry as a whole. Hosted by Ivy Queen and Jacqueline Bracamontes, the star-studded, historic first of its kind evening featured eclectic performances, inspiring speeches, and celebrated special honorees including the first-ever Latin Woman of the Year, which was presented to Shakira. Presented by Billboard and Telemundo, Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música taped at the Watsco Center in Miami, FL on May 6 in front of a live audience of over 2,000 executives, creatives, artists, and fans, which simulcast on Telemundo, Universo and Peacock on May 7. The show is available to watch now on the Telemundo app and Peacock. A Billboard first-ever Spanish-language print edition featuring the artists and 49 executives honored at the gala was unveiled for the first time that evening.
Show highlights from the 2023 Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música:
- In their opening monologue, Ivy Queen and Jacqueline Bracamontes shined a light on the talented women being honored during the show who represented Latin America.
- Shakira received the Billboard Latin Woman of the Year Award from surprise presenter and friend, Maluma. In her acceptance speech, she shared that the last year has helped her realize the strength women have, the independence they are able to attain, and the power to stay loyal to oneself, stating that women don’t have to be perfect, but they have to be authentic. The three-time Grammy winner dedicated her award to her mother and children, and ended her remarks by encouraging the audience to not only celebrate the Woman of the Year but the Year of Women.
- Ana Gabriel received theLiving Legend Award, presented by Ha*Ash, who introduced a special video featuring Jaime Camil, Kate del Castillo, and Gloria Trevi. Gabriel delivered a powerful acceptance speech, sharing that the definition of “legend” comes from the latin legenda which signifies being seen, heard, and sung, someone who goes through life leaving footprints behind. She accepted the award with great humility and thanked her fans for following her near 50-year career. Ana Gabriel returned to the stage to delight the audience with her hit “Simplemente Amigos,” during which the entire audience danced and sang along to every word.
- Thalia opened the show with a powerful medley featuring her hits “Desde Esa Noche,” “Equivocada,” “A Quién Le Importa,” and “Amor a la Mexicana.” The Grammy winner later accepted the Global Powerhouse Award, presented by Chief Content Officer for Billboard, Leila Cobo. Thalia thanked her family and encouraged women everywhere to tap into their power and not seek it from anywhere else – leading to a standing ovation from the crowd.
- Evaluna was joined on-stage by JP Saxe for a special piano performance of their hit single “If The World Was Ending.” She was also honored with the Tradition and Future Award which was presented to her by friend Nicole Zignago.
- Emilia was honored with the Rising Star Award, presented by Elena Rose.The star, along with featured performer Ludmilla, delivered a powerful performance of “No Se Ve.” During her emotional speech, Emilia was moved to tears and thanked her mom expressing her gratitude for being able to represent Argentina at Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música.
- After performing “Na Na Na,” Goyo received the Agent of Change Award, which was presented by her mother, Nelfa Perea, and Colombian actress and singer Greeicy. She professed her love for events that celebrate women and how they fuel her motivation. Saba, Goyo’s 10 year-old daughter, took the mic to express love for her mother saying, “Thank you Billboard, I think she really deserves it!”
- Newlyweds Lele Pons and Puerto Rican rapper Guaynaa took the stage to present Maria Becerra with the Visionary Award who thanked Billboard for investing in powerful women who dedicate their lives to music.
- Ivy Queen closed the show by premiering her new rhythmic single “Toma,” which had the crowd dancing on their feet.
Additional attendees included: Adriana Cataño, Adriana de Moura, Aleida Nuñez, Alicia Machado, Amara La Negra, Andrea Meza, Arlyn Broche, Aylin Mujica, Chicky Bombom, Denise Rosenthal, Domino Saints, GALE, Giselle Blondet, Isadora Figueroa, Jessica Carrillo, Laura Flores, Paula Arenas, Shantall Lacayo, Tayshia Adams, Ximena Duque, and many more.
The inaugural Latin Women in Music event was announced earlier this year as an expansion of Billboard’s Women in Music franchise to celebrate the Latin women who have made a concrete impact on Latin music through their artistic achievements, or through tangible, noteworthy actions that have brought measurable recognition and opportunity to women, effecting positive change to the industry as a whole.
Join the conversation using #BBMujeresLatinas and visit www.BBMujeresLatinas.com for news and bios on this year’s honorees.
