AceShowbiz - The upcoming fourth annual Billboard Latin Women in Music special will recognize three influential Latin artists: Becky G, Joy, and Julieta Venegas. Billboard and Telemundo revealed these first honorees on Monday, March 30, ahead of the program airing live on April 23 at 9 p.m. ET exclusively on Telemundo.

This two-hour broadcast aims to spotlight Latin female musicians who are advancing meaningful change and promoting inclusion throughout the music industry. In addition to the live airing, the special will be available for streaming on Peacock and the Telemundo app.

Becky G will receive the Global Impact award, recognizing her remarkable ability to connect with audiences worldwide. Over a career spanning more than ten years, the Mexican-American singer has evolved from a breakout teen artist into an international star. Her achievements include Billboard chart-toppers like "MAMIII" with Karol G, which maintained the No. 1 spot on Hot Latin Songs for 10 weeks in 2022, along with multiple Latin Airplay No. 1 singles such as "Mayores" featuring Bad Bunny and "Sin Pijama" with Natti Natasha.

Beyond her musical success, Becky G also embraces her heritage as an actress and entrepreneur. Billboard and Telemundo described her as "a passionate advocate for Latino representation, immigrant communities, women's empowerment and mental health awareness," highlighting how she leads with authenticity and purpose. The release emphasized that she consistently elevates Latin culture on a global stage while inspiring future generations.

Alongside her, Joy, the lead vocalist of the Latin pop duo Jesse & Joy, will be honored with the Spirit of Change award. This accolade celebrates artists who leverage their platforms to effect positive influence within and beyond the music industry.

For over twenty years, Joy has been an outspoken advocate for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ equality, women's empowerment, combating gender-based violence, and animal welfare. As a member of Jesse & Joy, she has achieved two top 10 entries on Latin Airplay, including the No. 1 hit "¡Corre!".

Her activism extends beyond music: in 2023, she earned a Tony Award nomination for best original score as a co-writer of the songs for the Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves. Billboard and Telemundo remarked that through her artistry and activism, Joy continues to inspire change, embodying the essence of an artist who understands the power of influence to create a better world.

The third honoree, Julieta Venegas, will receive the Artistic Excellence award. This distinction honors an artist whose career is defined by exceptional craftsmanship, consistency, and a unique creative identity. The Mexican singer-songwriter has shaped the sound of Latin alternative pop over more than three decades through deeply personal songwriting and poetic lyricism.

Julieta Venegas is also celebrated for her multi-instrumental talents, especially on accordion and piano. Her Billboard chart history includes multiple entries on Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums, with highlights like Limón y Sal—which earned her first top 10 on Top Latin Albums—and iconic singles such as "Me Voy" and "Andar Conmigo." In 2023, her album Tu Historia won the Latin Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. She currently leads Mexican radio with the track "Tengo Que Contarte," a collaboration with Natalia Lafourcade.

Billboard and Telemundo noted that Julieta Venegas has expanded the role of the female singer-songwriter in Latin music by maintaining creative control as a composer, producer, and instrumentalist. Her work demonstrates how sustained mainstream success can be achieved without sacrificing authenticity. Her timeless catalog resonates across generations and borders, leaving a lasting cultural impact that exemplifies true artistic excellence.

Additional honorees, presenters, and performers for the event will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Billboard Latin Women in Music is the only annual televised gala dedicated to celebrating Latin women artists who inspire positive change and foster greater inclusion within the music industry. Now entering its fourth year, the event has become a powerful platform where leading Latin music artists unite for a night of music and camaraderie.

Last year's honorees included notable figures such as Anitta (Vanguard award), Belinda (Evolution award), Celia Cruz (Legend), Chiquis (Impact award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist), Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement), and Selena Gomez (Woman of the Year). Previous years have recognized legends like Gloria Estefan, Thalia, and Shakira among others.

The special continues to affirm the importance of Latin women in shaping the music industry while championing causes that advance diversity, inclusion, and social progress.