Centennial tribute to “La Guarachera de Cuba” promises powerful performance and pride
A resounding “¡Azúcar!” will echo across living rooms and hearts on April 24th, as the Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony honors Cuban icon Celia Cruz with the prestigious Legend Award. In celebration of her 100th birthday this year, the Queen of Salsa will be posthumously recognized during a moving tribute airing live at 9 PM ET on Telemundo.
A voice that redefined Latin music, a spirit that defied barriers, Celia Cruz’s legacy will be brought to life by three Latin music powerhouses: Ivy Queen, La India, and Olga Tañón, each a Billboard honoree in her own right.
A century of “Azúcar” and Afro-Caribbean brilliance
Born in 1925, Celia Cruz’s electrifying stage presence, booming voice, and fierce embrace of her Afro-Cuban heritage made her a global symbol of identity and resilience. Across five decades and nearly 40 albums, she infused joy, power, and passion into hits like “La Vida Es un Carnaval,” “Ríe y Llora,” and “La Negra Tiene Tumbao.”
Even after her passing in 2003, her influence has only grown. Celia Cruz's music continued to chart, and her message of freedom and female empowerment became emblematic of Latin pride worldwide.
A star-studded tribute by women who lead
The upcoming gala promises to be a historic celebration. Reggaetón legend Ivy Queen (Icon Award, 2023), salsa trailblazer La India (Pioneer Award, 2024), and merengue star Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement Award, 2025) will pay homage to Cruz with dynamic performances of her greatest hits.
Together, they will revive her music and her legacy: Latina women, in all their diversity and brilliance, are a driving force in the music industry and beyond.
Honoring the women shaping Latin music’s future
The 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony will also spotlight contemporary stars leaving their mark on today’s music scene. Honorees include:
- Anitta – Vanguard Award
- Belinda – Evolution Award
- Chiquis – Impact Award
- Ha*Ash – Unbreakable Award
- Natti Natasha – Unstoppable Award
Hosted by beloved Mexican singer Ana Bárbara, the two-hour event will spotlight the progress, power, and presence of women who are shaping the future of Latin music with authenticity and fearless innovation.
Calle Ocho News: Bridging cultures, honoring icons
At Calle Ocho News, we are proud to celebrate the legacy of Celia Cruz, a daughter of Cuba and symbol of Latin pride, whose music continues to move generations across nationalities and genres.
From Little Havana to the world, we tell the stories that connect and uplift our people, past and present. For more cultural features and community news, visit us at www.calleochonews.com.
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