Since its launch, Billboard Latin Women in Music has become one of the most meaningful platforms for celebrating the achievements of Latina artists across genres. The annual event not only spotlights those shaping the industry, but also honors cultural influence, musical excellence, and personal impact. The highest honor of the night—Woman of the Year—recognizes a Latin artist whose work transcends music and speaks to strength, leadership, and vision.
Here’s a look at every artist who has earned the title of Woman of the Year so far—and what made each one stand out.
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2023 – Shakira
The inaugural Woman of the Year award went to global superstar Shakira. After a period of personal challenges—including a highly publicized split and legal disputes—she came back stronger. Her viral collaborations with Bizarrap and Karol G proved once again that the Colombian singer is one of the most influential Latin voices in history.
2024 – Karol G
The following year, Karol G was honored as Woman of the Year—a recognition that many saw coming. With her album Mañana Será Bonito, Karol G broke records and redefined what it means to be a reggaetón and Latin pop star in control of her own story. The album topped the Billboard 200, making her the first female Latin artist to top the chart with a full Spanish-language project.
2025 – Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has always proudly displayed her Latin roots. The pop superstar is one of the most influential artists of the 21st century—not only for her musical talent, but also for her ventures into acting and business. Selena’s Latin heritage peaked in 2021 with her first Spanish-language project, Revelación, and continues to shine in the present with her new track “Ojos Tristes” from I Said I Love You First.
2026 – Rosalía
Rosalía joins the elite circle of artists recognized with the prestigious Billboard Latin Woman of the Year honor. On April 20, 2026, Billboard confirmed that the Spanish star will receive the award, marking another milestone in a career defined by constant reinvention.
The recognition arrives on the heels of Lux, her boundary-pushing 2025 album that resonated both commercially and critically. Recorded in collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra, the project merges orchestral arrangements, choral elements, and operatic vocals with Rosalía’s signature blend of flamenco and experimental pop. The result is a sonically ambitious record that expands her artistic language without abandoning her roots.
Beyond its production, Lux stands out for its global scope. The album features songs performed in 13 languages, including Italian, Arabic, Catalan, and Hebrew, showcasing both her technical range and cultural curiosity. That approach positioned the project as one of the most acclaimed releases of 2025, widely praised as a bold evolution from her previous album Motomami.
Commercially, the impact was just as significant. In the United States, Lux became Rosalía’s first top 10 entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 4.
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