Selena Gomez will receive the Woman of the Year award at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music event, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Wednesday (April 16). The two-hour special, which will take place in Miami, will be broadcast exclusively on Telemundo on April 24. The Woman of the Year recognition is given to a female artist who has demonstrated exceptional success, leadership, and cultural influence in the music industry and beyond. In previous editions of Latin Women in Music, the recipients of this award were Shakira and Karol G.
Gomez, a global powerhouse, has had a fruitful career as an actress and singer. On the Billboard charts, the 32-year-old artist has had a presence in multiple genres, with a total of 42 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, including her first No. 1 hit, “Lose You To Love Me” (2019). On Hot Latin Songs, DJ Snake’s “Taki Taki,” on which she collaborated with Ozuna and Cardi B, debuted at No. 1 in October 2018, reigning for 13 weeks. Since then, she has placed three other hits in the top 10 of the multi-metric chart, including “Baila conmigo,” her collaboration with Rauw Alejandro, which reached No. 4 in 2021 and topped the Latin Airplay chart for one week.
The Mexican-American artist from Texas further expanded her reach in Latin music with her first Spanish-language project, Revelación. The EP, released four years ago, debuted at No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart, making history as the first album by a female artist to achieve this since Shakira’s El Dorado. It also earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album. Most recently, Gomez entered the top 5 of Hot Latin Songs with “Ojos tristes” with Benny Blanco and The Marías. The song, a reimagining of the 80s classic “El muchacho de los ojos tristes” by Jeanette, is part of Gomez and Blanco’s collaborative album I Said I Love You First.
Beyond her music career, Gomez – also an award-winning actress, producer, and entrepreneur – has become a prominent voice on issues of mental health and social justice affecting underrepresented communities. She was named Woman of the Year at Billboard Women in Music 2017. Selena Gomez joins the previously announced group of honorees, including Anitta (Vanguard Award), Belinda (Evolution Award), Celia Cruz (Legend Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), and Olga Tañón (Musical Career Award).
The list of Women in Music honorees also includes Becky G, who will receive the Rising Star Award, and Gloria Estefan, who will be honored with the Icon Award. The event will also feature performances by some of the most influential and talented women in Latin music, including Karol G, Natti Natasha, and Becky G.
In addition to celebrating the achievements of these incredible women, the event will also highlight the importance of diversity and representation in the music industry. With Gomez’s recognition as Woman of the Year, Billboard and Telemundo are showcasing the impact and influence of Latinas in the music world and beyond.
Gomez’s career has been marked by numerous achievements and milestones, and her impact on the music industry continues to grow. As a multi-talented artist, she has successfully navigated between acting and music, becoming a household name and a role model for many young women. Her music has resonated with audiences around the world, and her advocacy for important causes has made her a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
As we look forward to the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music event, we can’t help but be excited to see what Gomez will accomplish in the years to come. With her talent, determination, and passion, she is sure to continue breaking barriers and inspiring others. Congratulations to Selena Gomez on this well-deserved recognition as Woman of the Year.