La India to Be Honored with Pioneer Award at Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024

La India will be honored with the Pioneer award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music event, Billboard and Telemundo announced Tuesday (June 4).

The Puerto Rican singer and songwriter, aka the “Princess of Salsa,” will receive an honor that acknowledges those who have pioneered new paths, broken barriers and inspired future generations through their innovative artistry, cultural impact and enduring legacy. The show will air exclusively on Telemundo this Sunday (June 9) at 9 p.m. (ET), and will also be available on the Telemundo app and on Peacock.

“Since the release of her first album [Dicen Que Soy in 1994], La India ushered in a new era and sound for salsa music representing female empowerment and becoming a voice for Latinas,” says the release. “She achieved remarkable success in a historically male-dominated genre, paving the way for other female artists in salsa. By blending traditional salsa with elements of pop, house, and other genres, La India has contributed to the evolution of salsa music, inspiring future generations of artists and expanding the genre’s reach and appeal.”

On the Billboard charts, La India has collected 11 No. 1s on Tropical Airplay, the most for a woman in that tally, and has had 15 entries on Tropical Albums, also the most for any female act, including six No. 1s.

On Tuesday, Billboard and Telemundo also announced that GALE, Sergio George, Arthur Hanlon, Elena Rose and Juliana will all take the stage in special performances and collaborations to celebrate this year’s honorees. In addition to La India, Karol G will be celebrated as Woman of the Year, Gloria Estefan will receive the Legend award, Camila Cabello the Global Impact award, Ana Bárbara the Lifetime Achievement award, Ángela Aguilar the Musical Dynasty award, Kali Uchis the Rising Star award, and Kany García the Spirit of Change award.

The show will be hosted by Mexican actress Jacqueline Bracamontes and will have Pedro Capó, Myrka Dellanos, Luis Figueroa, María José, Penélope Menchaca, Andrea Meza and Maripily Rivera among the presenters.

The Billboard Latin Women in Music franchise recognizes the importance of Latin women in the music industry and honors those who have made a positive impact in the previous year. The honors bestowed in 2023 included Shakira as Woman of the Year, Ana Gabriel as Living Legend, Emilia as Rising Star, and Thalia as Global Powerhouse, among others.