Anitta’s performance at the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2025 gala on Thursday (April 24) was an intimate but emotionally charged affair, leaving the audience captivated with her ballad “Larissa.” Accompanied only by an acoustic guitarist, the trilingual superstar bared her soul through deep lyrics and a vocal performance full of feeling, revealing a vulnerable side rarely seen behind her electrifying stage persona. Clad in a delicate nude lace dress, Anitta delivered a moment that was as intimate as it was powerful on a stage framed by smoke, connecting genuinely with the attendees.
Yailin La Más Viral appeared on stage to introduce Shakira, who appeared in a video to praise the reach of Anitta’s funk and her ability to blend the past with the future, taking music to new heights. In that context, the honoree took the opportunity to share a powerful message about the impact of artists on society. “I believe that we, as artists, are in this position with a lot of people watching us, not just to entertain, but to change society,” said the Brazilian artist. “We have thousands of people watching us, and the importance of having an award like this [is immense]. We would like to see more men supporting us so that society can change; it’s not just women who should support the cause, but also men.”
As the recipient of this year’s Vanguard Award – an honor that recognizes an artist who boldly forges their own path – Anitta’s performance was a powerful statement of creativity, resilience, and vision. Beyond music, the artist has embraced a more personal and reflective chapter in her life, as shown in the 2025 Netflix film Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta. The documentary explores her journey towards healing and finding balance between her stage persona and her true self.
The third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music special, hosted by 2024 honoree Ana Bárbara, is being broadcast live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional. The 2025 honorees also include Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), and Celia Cruz, who on the centennial of her birth is posthumously recognized with the Legend Award and the new cover story for Billboard Español.
Watch Anitta on the pink carpet during the Billboard livestream here. Check out the list of 2025 Latin Women in Music Executives and Businesswomen here.