by the El Reportero news services
Via Billboard Latino
Miami, FL, June 4, 2024 – Telemundo and Billboard announced Puerto Rican singer and songwriter La India, known as the “Princesa de la Salsa” (Salsa Princess,) will be honored with the “Pioneer” award at the Billboard Latin Women in Music special this Sunday, June 9, 2024, airing exclusively on Telemundo at 9pm/8c.
In addition, renowned artists 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. The star-studded line up is completed by Pedro Capó, Myrka Dellanos, Luis Figueroa, María José, Penélope Menchaca, Andrea Meza, and Maripily Rivera who will present the night’s honors.
Celebrating 30 years since her album “Dicen Que Soy” was released and won the Billboard Tropical Album of the Year Award (Female), La India will be recognized with the Pioneer award which acknowledges those who have pioneered new paths, broken barriers, and inspired future generations through their innovative artistry, cultural impact, and enduring legacy.
Since the release of her first album, La India ushered in a new era and sound for salsa music representing female empowerment and becoming a voice for Latinas. She successfully bridged the gap between salsa and mainstream music, bringing salsa to a broader audience by appealing to both Latin and non-Latin audiences.
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. She holds the Billboard chart record for the female artist with the most #1 singles on the Tropical Airplay chart (11 total) and #1 albums on Tropical Albums (6 total.)
Viewers will be delighted with electrifying performances by several of the night’s honorees and special collaborations with the likes of three-time Grammy-nominated Puerto-Rican singer, songwriter Gale; multi-Grammy award-winning producer, composer, and pianist Sergio George; chart-topping pianist, composer, and arranger Arthur Hanlon; Colombian singer-songwriter and actress Juliana; and Latin Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Elena Rose.
As previously announced, the full list of powerhouse Latin women being honored includes Gloria Estefan, who will receive the “Legend” award; Karol G who will receive the “Woman of the Year” award; Camila Cabello who will receive the “Global Impact” award; Ana Bárbara who will receive the “Lifetime Achievement” award; Ángela Aguilar who will receive the “Musical Dynasty” award; Kali Uchis who will receive the “Rising Star” award; and Kany García who will receive the “Spirit of Change” award.
Billboard’s Latin Women in Music franchise recognizes the importance of Latin women in the music industry and honors those who have positively impacted Latin music and the industry 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.
