Lana Akmaluna
Billboard and Telemundo have officially announced that multi-platinum artist and entrepreneur Chiquis will serve as the host for the fourth annual Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony. The prestigious two-hour event is scheduled to broadcast live on April 23 at 9:00 p.m. ET, originating from the Telemundo Center in Miami, Florida. In addition to the linear broadcast on Telemundo, the special will be available for live streaming via Peacock and the Telemundo app, ensuring a global reach for an evening dedicated to the achievements of female powerhouses in the Latin music industry.
The selection of Chiquis, born Janney Marín Rivera, marks a significant full-circle moment for the artist. During the 2025 iteration of the event, Chiquis was herself an honoree, receiving the prestigious Impact Award for her contributions to regional Mexican music and her philanthropic efforts. Her transition from honoree to host underscores her growing influence as a central figure in the Latin entertainment landscape. In an interview following the announcement, Chiquis expressed her enthusiasm for the role, noting that hosting the event had been a personal goal since she stood on that same stage a year prior. She emphasized that the opportunity to present and share space with women she admires is a profound honor, aligning with her career-long mission to empower and uplift women through both her music and her business ventures.
The 2026 Honorees: A Roster of Excellence
The fourth annual ceremony will recognize a diverse and influential group of women who have shaped the sound and direction of Latin music over the past several decades. This year’s honorees represent a cross-section of genres, from reggaeton and urban trap to alternative pop and regional Mexican.
Becky G is slated to receive the Global Impact Award. The Mexican-American singer, songwriter, and actress has become a global phenomenon, successfully navigating both the English and Spanish-language markets. Beyond her chart-topping hits like "Mayores" and "Sin Pijama," Becky G has been a vocal advocate for the Latinx community and has used her platform to address social issues, making her a fitting recipient for an award focused on international influence and social responsibility.
The Pioneer Award will be presented to Ivy Queen, the undisputed "Queen of Reggaeton." As one of the few women to break into the male-dominated urban scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ivy Queen paved the way for the current generation of female urban artists. Her career, spanning over three decades, is a testament to resilience and artistic integrity.
Joy, one-half of the acclaimed duo Jesse & Joy, will be recognized with the Spirit of Change Award. Known for her emotive vocals and poignant songwriting, Joy has also been a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights and humanitarian causes. Her recognition highlights the intersection of artistry and activism that the Billboard Latin Women in Music event seeks to celebrate.
The Artistic Excellence Award will go to Julieta Venegas. A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Venegas has been a cornerstone of Latin alternative music for years. Her unique blend of pop, rock, and traditional Mexican sounds has earned her multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, cementing her status as one of the most respected musicians in the industry.
Rounding out the announced honorees is Young Miko, who will receive the Unstoppable Artist Award. The Puerto Rican rapper has experienced a meteoric rise in the past two years, becoming a leading figure in the new wave of Latin trap and reggaeton. Her inclusion signifies the event’s commitment to honoring both established legends and the rising stars who are currently redefining the genre.
The Career Trajectory of Chiquis: From "Abeja Reina" to Host
Chiquis’s appointment as host comes at a high point in her professional career. Known to her fans as the "Abeja Reina" (Queen Bee), she has successfully carved out a unique identity within the regional Mexican genre, a space historically dominated by male performers. A three-time Latin Grammy winner, Chiquis has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre, incorporating modern production elements while staying true to the banda and mariachi traditions of her heritage.
Her recent musical output has been met with critical and commercial success. The singles "eres MÁS," an R&B-infused track, and "Volví," a guitar-driven ballad, showcase her vocal versatility and her willingness to experiment with different sonic textures. Beyond music, Chiquis has established herself as a formidable entrepreneur with successful ventures in the beauty and wellness industries, and she remains a bestselling author and a dedicated philanthropist through her BossBee Nation foundation.
The legacy of her mother, the late Jenni Rivera, remains a foundational element of her story, but Chiquis has spent the last decade proving her own merit as a solo artist and media personality. Her ability to connect with audiences through her vulnerability and "realness" has made her a natural choice for a hosting role that requires both authority and empathy.
Historical Context and the Evolution of the Event
The Billboard Latin Women in Music event was established in 2023 as an expansion of Billboard’s long-running Women in Music franchise. The inaugural event was a landmark moment for the industry, recognizing Shakira as the first-ever "Latin Woman of the Year." The success of the debut year highlighted a significant gap in the awards circuit: a dedicated space to celebrate the specific cultural and commercial contributions of Latinas in music.
In 2024 and 2025, the event continued to grow in scale and prestige. Previous hosts, such as Ana Bárbara in 2025, have set a high standard for the ceremony, blending musical performance with professional presentation. The event serves not only as an awards show but as a networking summit and a televised celebration that brings together executives, artists, and fans.
The timeline of the event reflects the broader "Latin Explosion" in the global music market. According to year-end reports from Luminate and the RIAA, Latin music has consistently been one of the fastest-growing genres in the United States, surpassing $1 billion in annual revenue for several consecutive years. However, industry data also shows that women remain underrepresented on the charts and in executive roles. The Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony acts as a strategic intervention, providing visibility and recognition that can lead to greater parity within the industry.
Multi-Platform Strategy and Global Reach
The partnership between Billboard and Telemundo is a key driver of the event’s success. As the leading media company serving Hispanics in the U.S., Telemundo provides the infrastructure to reach millions of viewers across traditional television and digital platforms. The decision to stream the event live on Peacock reflects the shifting consumption habits of the "200%ers"—Latinos who are 100% American and 100% Latino—and who increasingly lean toward streaming services.
Industry analysts suggest that the live-broadcast format for such niche ceremonies is crucial for building "appointment viewing" in an era of fragmented media. By airing the special in primetime, Telemundo and Billboard are signaling the high value of the female Latin demographic, both as creators and as consumers. The social media integration, featuring behind-the-scenes content and real-time interaction on the Telemundo app, is expected to drive significant engagement across Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
Broader Implications for the Latin Music Industry
The significance of Chiquis hosting the Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony extends beyond a single night of television. It represents a broader cultural shift toward the institutionalization of female leadership in Latin music. For years, the narrative of Latin music was centered on the "leading man," but the sustained success of artists like Karol G, Shakira, and the 2026 honorees has fundamentally altered that perception.
Furthermore, the event serves as a critical platform for emerging talent. By placing a rising star like Young Miko on the same stage as a pioneer like Ivy Queen, the ceremony creates a lineage of success that inspires the next generation of female artists. This continuity is essential for the long-term health of the genre.
As the industry prepares for the April 23 broadcast, the focus remains on the "empowerment" that Chiquis highlighted in her initial statement. The ceremony is designed to be a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the undeniable impact that Latin women have on the global cultural fabric. With additional performers and presenters yet to be announced, the fourth annual Billboard Latin Women in Music promises to be a definitive moment for the industry in 2026.
