Rosalía received the Woman of the Year award at the 2026 Billboard Latin Women in Music event on Thursday (April 23). The Barcelona superstar was unable to attend the ceremony to accept the award because she is currently on her LUX Tour, but expressed her gratitude in a speech delivered via video.
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The singer-songwriter was recognized as one of the most influential voices of her generation, thanks to her success, leadership, and cultural influence. “Rosalía has consistently pushed the boundaries of Spanish-language music, blending tradition with bold innovation and captivating audiences worldwide,” a statement said when it was announced that she would be named Woman of the Year. “Her latest album [LUX] further cements her status as a cultural force, sparking global conversation and reinforcing her reputation as a forward-thinking creative leader.”
In previous editions of Latin Women in Music, this prestigious award has been presented to Shakira, Karol G and Selena Gomez.
During the broadcast, the artist shared a performance of her song “Focu’ranni,” recorded in Madrid earlier this month during her LUX Tour. In the presentation, she evoked a white swan, with her hair flowing in the wind and accompanied by around a dozen dancers. Her speech was also aired during the fourth annual edition of the Latin Women in Music gala, organized by Billboard and broadcast by Telemundo.
The event, hosted by Chiquis, also honored the talent and careers of other major figures in Latin music, such as Gloria Trevi (Lifetime Achievement), Julieta Venegas (Artistic Excellence), Becky G (Global Impact), Ivy Queen (Pioneer), Young Miko (Unstoppable Artist), Joy (Spirit of Change) and Lola Indigo (Artistic Evolution).
Below is Rosalía’s complete speech:
Hello Billboard! I hope the gala is going wonderfully. I’m currently on tour, which is why it’s been impossible for me to be there in person, but thank you so much for this recognition. It’s an incredible honor to receive it. I wouldn’t be who I am without all the women I’ve read about, listened to, and met. So, I’d like to remain open to the world and continue learning from the people I care about.
I want to thank my mother Pilar for giving me life. Pili for living it with me. Loli for simply existing. Alexa and Carlota, who always make me laugh and are always there. Thank you to Jodi, Sam, Jen, and Vivienne for always supporting me. Thank you to Rebeca for believing in me. And thank you to my entire team made up of women. Thank you to Caroline and Angélica for being part of LUX. To Pat (Patti Smith) and Björk for always inspiring me. And to so many others — I could go on endlessly with this speech.
Alexander McQueen once said: “I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.” And perhaps that would be one of my greatest wishes. I would love for people to be afraid the women who listen to my songs. I hope they can always feel free and unstoppable, because they are.
And thank you so much, Billboard, for continuing to celebrate women. I hope we see each other very soon, and sending lots of love to everyone at the gala. I hope you keep enjoying it to the fullest. A big kiss.
