Three iconic figures of Latin music — the reggaetón sensation Ivy Queen, the legendary salsa artist La India, and the vibrant merengue star Olga Tañón — came together to deliver a spectacular tribute to the unforgettable Celia Cruz during the highly anticipated third edition of Billboard Latin Women in Music. This remarkable event was broadcast live on Thursday, April 24, via Telemundo, showcasing the excellence of female talent in the Latin music industry.
Opening the vibrant performance, Olga Tañón captivated the audience with a dynamic rendition of “Yerbero Moderno,” set against a backdrop that transformed from a lush tropical jungle to a lively carnival. Following her, Ivy Queen delivered an electrifying version of “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” which brought the audience to their feet. La India then paid homage to her mentor, Celia Cruz, with a brilliant performance of the timeless classic “Quimbara.” The three superstars united for a breathtaking final chorus, celebrating the legacy of Celia Cruz in a truly memorable way.
As part of the celebrations for the centennial of Celia Cruz‘s birth, which is being honored this year, the late artist — who was born in 1925 and passed away in 2003 due to a brain tumor — received the prestigious Legend Award posthumously. This touching accolade was presented by Cuban singer Goyo, who shared her heartfelt memories of meeting the Queen of Salsa as a child and having the opportunity to perform for her. The tribute also featured a poignant video that highlighted Cruz‘s life and her profound impact on music, with testimonials from renowned artists like Gloria Estefan, Ivy Queen, Olga Tañón, and La India, discussing the significant influence that the “Guarachera de América” had on their personal and professional journeys.
In addition to the live tribute, Celia Cruz was celebrated by Billboard Español through a compelling cover story that included insightful testimonials from notable figures such as Emilio Estefan, La India, Randy Malcom, and Goyo. These reflections serve to illustrate the enduring legacy and cultural impact of the iconic artist.
Celia Cruz is renowned for her timeless tropical hits, including the beloved tracks “La Vida Es un Carnaval,” “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” and “Ríe y Llora.” Her unforgettable catchphrase “¡Azúcar!” and her exuberant personality, along with her flamboyant outfits, have solidified her status as a cultural icon. Recognized as one of the most influential vocalists in history, she boasts an impressive discography with nearly 40 albums recorded throughout her illustrious career.
Each of the incredible artists who participated in Thursday’s tribute has previously been honored at the Latin Women in Music event: Ivy Queen received the Icon Award in 2023, La India was celebrated with the Pioneer Award in 2024, and Olga Tañón was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award this year, showcasing the remarkable contributions of women in the Latin music industry.
This year’s third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special was hosted by the 2024 honoree Ana Bárbara. The event was broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, reaching audiences across Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional, further amplifying the celebration of female talent in music.
Looking ahead, the 2025 honorees have also been announced, including Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, along with Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), and Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), highlighting the diverse talents and achievements of women in the Latin music scene.
For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
