Lana Akmaluna
Billboard and Telemundo have officially announced the first group of honorees for the fourth annual Billboard Latin Women in Music special, a televised event dedicated to recognizing the achievements and contributions of female artists within the Latin music industry. On Monday, March 30, the organizations confirmed that multi-platinum singer and actress Becky G, activist and vocalist Joy Huerta, and alternative pop icon Julieta Venegas will be among the primary recipients of the night’s prestigious awards. The two-hour musical gala is scheduled to broadcast live on Telemundo on April 24 at 9 p.m. ET, with additional streaming availability on the Peacock platform and the Telemundo app.
The program serves as a dedicated expansion of the Billboard Women in Music franchise, specifically tailored to the nuances and cultural impact of the Latin market. According to official statements from the organizers, the special is designed to pay tribute to Latin female artists who are driving meaningful change and championing inclusion across an industry that has historically seen significant gender disparities. By highlighting the creative and philanthropic efforts of these women, Billboard and Telemundo aim to foster a more equitable environment for the next generation of performers and executives.
Detailed Profiles of the 2024 Honorees
The initial announcement focuses on three women whose careers represent different facets of the Latin music landscape, from mainstream reggaeton and pop to indie-alternative and social activism.
Becky G: The Global Impact Award
Becky G will be presented with the Global Impact award, a distinction that recognizes her transition from a viral teen sensation to a multifaceted international powerhouse. Born Rebbeca Marie Gomez in Inglewood, California, the Mexican-American artist has spent over a decade navigating both the English and Spanish-language markets. Her career trajectory shifted significantly with the release of "Mayores" in 2017, which signaled her dominance in the Latin urban space.
Statistically, Becky G’s influence is undeniable. Her collaboration with Karol G, "MAMIII," became a cultural phenomenon in 2022, securing the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for 10 consecutive weeks. Beyond her musical output, which includes hits like "Sin Pijama" and "Ram Pam Pam," the 27-year-old has utilized her platform to advocate for immigrant rights and mental health awareness. Her entrepreneurial ventures, including her makeup brand Treslúce Beauty, and her roles in major film productions like "Blue Beetle" and "Power Rangers," further underscore her status as a global brand. Billboard and Telemundo noted that she "leads with authenticity and purpose," serving as a bridge between the American and Latin American cultural identities.
Joy Huerta: The Spirit of Change Award
Joy Huerta, the lead singer of the critically acclaimed duo Jesse & Joy, will receive the Spirit of Change award. This honor is reserved for artists who leverage their public profile to effect social and political transformation. Throughout her two-decade career, Huerta has been a vocal proponent for LGBTQ+ equality, women’s empowerment, and animal welfare. Her decision to speak openly about her personal life and family has made her a pivotal figure for queer representation in the traditionally conservative Latin pop industry.
In terms of chart success, Jesse & Joy have remained a staple of Latin radio since the mid-2000s. Their hit "¡Corre!" reached No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart and remains one of the most-watched Spanish-language music videos on YouTube. Recently, Huerta expanded her creative reach into musical theater, co-writing the score for "Real Women Have Curves." This endeavor earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score, marking a significant crossover achievement. The Spirit of Change award acknowledges her "unwavering commitment to inclusion and justice," positioning her as a moral compass within the artistic community.
Julieta Venegas: The Artistic Excellence Award
The Artistic Excellence award will be bestowed upon Julieta Venegas, a pioneer who redefined the role of the female singer-songwriter in Latin alternative music. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Venegas is celebrated for her poetic lyricism and her proficiency as a multi-instrumentalist, most notably on the accordion and piano. Her work has often been cited as the blueprint for contemporary Latin pop artists who seek to blend commercial appeal with intellectual and creative independence.
Venegas’s discography includes the landmark album "Limón y Sal," which earned her widespread international acclaim and a spot in the top 10 of the Top Latin Albums chart. Her 2023 project, "Tu Historia," continued her streak of critical success by winning the Latin Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. Currently, she remains a relevant force on the airwaves, as evidenced by her recent collaboration with Natalia Lafourcade, "Tengo Que Contarte." The award recognizes her ability to maintain "creative control as a composer, producer, and instrumentalist," proving that mainstream longevity does not require the sacrifice of artistic integrity.
Chronology and Evolution of the Event
The Billboard Latin Women in Music gala was established to address a specific void in the awards circuit. While the general Billboard Music Awards and Latin Billboard Music Awards celebrate commercial success, this specialized event focuses on the qualitative impact of women in the industry.
- Inaugural Years: The early iterations of the event were often held as luncheons or smaller-scale ceremonies. However, as the global demand for Latin music surged, Billboard saw the need for a televised, high-production format.
- 2023 Milestone: Last year’s ceremony marked a turning point in the event’s visibility. Honorees included Shakira, who was named the first-ever Woman of the Year, alongside legends like Celia Cruz (posthumously) and contemporary stars like Anitta and Karol G. The 2023 broadcast saw high engagement across social media, proving that there is a massive audience for female-centric Latin music content.
- The 2024 Context: Now in its fourth year, the event has expanded its categories to include awards like "Vanguard," "Evolution," and "Unstoppable Artist." The inclusion of Becky G, Joy, and Venegas as the first group of 2024 honorees suggests a focus on the intersection of legacy, activism, and modern pop stardom.
Supporting Industry Data and Market Trends
The recognition of these artists comes at a time when Latin music is experiencing unprecedented growth in the United States and globally. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Latin music revenue in the U.S. exceeded $1 billion for the first time in 2022 and continued to grow in 2023.
Despite this commercial boom, female representation in the genre remains an area of concern. Analysis of year-end charts frequently shows a disproportionate number of male artists in the top spots, particularly in the Reggaeton and Regional Mexican genres. Events like Billboard Latin Women in Music act as a corrective measure, ensuring that the women responsible for the genre’s innovation and global reach receive equal recognition. For instance, Becky G’s "MAMIII" was one of the few female-led tracks to dominate the Hot Latin Songs chart in recent years, highlighting the "glass ceiling" that still exists within the industry’s radio and streaming algorithms.
Broader Impact and Industry Implications
The announcement of these honorees is expected to generate significant discussion regarding the future of Latin music. By honoring Julieta Venegas, the industry acknowledges the importance of the "alternative" scene, which often provides the creative foundation for mainstream pop. By honoring Joy Huerta, the industry signals a move toward greater social responsibility and the acceptance of diverse identities. And by honoring Becky G, the industry celebrates the power of the "bicultural" artist who can navigate multiple worlds simultaneously.
The broadcast on Telemundo, a division of NBCUniversal, provides a massive platform for these messages. As a primary Spanish-language network in the U.S., Telemundo’s involvement ensures that the event reaches millions of households, reinforcing the cultural significance of the honorees’ achievements. The dual-language nature of many of these artists’ careers also appeals to the "200%" audience—those who are 100% American and 100% Latino—a demographic that is increasingly influential in the music market.
Future Announcements and Anticipation
As the April 24 air date approaches, Billboard and Telemundo are expected to announce further honorees, including the prestigious "Woman of the Year" title. Additionally, the lineup of performers and presenters will be revealed in the coming weeks. Traditionally, these performances feature unique collaborations and acoustic sets that differ from standard award show fare, emphasizing the musicality and vocal prowess of the participants.
The event has established itself as more than just an awards show; it is a "powerful platform where the most prominent artists in Latin music come together for an extraordinary night of music and camaraderie," as noted in the press release. By celebrating the past, present, and future of Latin music through the lens of female excellence, the fourth annual Billboard Latin Women in Music special continues to set a benchmark for how the industry recognizes its most influential voices.
