Ivy Queen and Young Miko will be honored at the fourth annual edition of Billboard Latin Women in Music, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Tuesday (April 7). Both Puerto Rican artists join Becky G, Joy and Julieta Venegas, who were previously announced as honorees for this year.
The two-hour special will air live exclusively on Telemundo on April 23 at 9 p.m. ET and will pay tribute to “Latin female artists who are driving meaningful change and championing inclusion across the music industry,” according to a press release. It will also stream on Peacock and the Telemundo app.
Ivy Queen will receive the Pioneer award, which celebrates women who have made groundbreaking contributions to the music industry, opened new paths, broken barriers and inspired future generations through their artistry, cultural impact and lasting legacy. For more than three decades, the legendary Latin urban trailblazer has built a solid presence in music, headlining major stages and shaping the genre long before female representation became mainstream. On the Billboard charts, she boasts multiple No. 1 albums on Latin Rhythm Albums, including Sentimiento (2007) and Drama Queen (201), as well as numerous top 10 entries on Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay, reflecting her lasting commercial success.
“She is being honored for redefining what was possible for women in reggaetón, carving out her own space with unapologetic conviction, lyrical power, and a fearless sense of identity in a male-dominated genre,” says in the announcement. “Her longevity and ongoing evolution have expanded the role of women in Latin urban music and opened doors for the artists who now lead the movement.”
Meanwhile, Young Miko will be recognized with the Unstoppable Artist award, which honors an artist who has dominated the charts, influenced the industry and captivated audiences with sustained success. Since the start of her career in 2021, the Puerto Rican rapper has carved her own path, quickly establishing herself as one of the most influential voices shaping the future of global music.
Her presence on the Billboard charts includes multiple Hot Latin Songs hits and two entries on the Billboard Hot 100, including “FINA” with Bad Bunny and “Classy 101” with Feid. Her debut album att. entered the top 10 of Top Latin Albums, while her sophomore project, Do Not Disturb, also had a strong debut, reaffirming her rapid rise and commercial success. Most recently, she announced the Late Checkout Tour, her most ambitious world tour to date.
This award highlights her impact, constant evolution, and ability to stay at the forefront, says the press release, adding that “her record-breaking achievements and uncompromising authenticity highlight a trajectory rooted in talent, innovation, and undeniable presence, cementing her status as a truly unstoppable artist”.
As previously announced, Becky G will receive the Global Impact award, Joy will be honored with the Spirit of Change award and Julieta Venegas will receive the Artistic Excellence award.
More honorees, as well as presenters and performers, will be announced soon.
Billboard Latin Women in Music is the only annual televised gala celebrating Latin women artists who are driving positive changes and fostering greater inclusion in the music industry. Now in its fourth successful year, it has established itself as a powerful platform where the most prominent artists in Latin music come together for an extraordinary night of music and camaraderie.
Last year, honorees included Anitta (Vanguard award), Belinda (Evolution award), Celia Cruz (Legend), Chiquis (Impact award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist), Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement) and Selena Gomez (Woman of the Year). Previous years’ honorees include Gloria Estefan, Thalia, Shakira and more.
