Olga Tañón Opens Billboard Latin Women in Music With Fiery Medley, Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Olga Tañón brought the fire to the stage at Billboard Latin Women in Music on Thursday night (April 24), kicking off the third edition of the event, broadcast live on Telemundo.

The Mujer de Fuego (Woman of Fire) performed a commanding medley of hits that included “Basta Ya,” “El Reclamo,” “Escondidos,” “Cómo Olvidar” and “Así Soy Yo.” Moments later, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her unmatched influence as a merengue star from her fellow Puerto Rican friend Luis Fonsi, who called her “more than a star, a force of nature” and an “undisputed role model for Latinas” as an artist, mother and wife. He also thanked her as his “musical godmother” for having supported him early in his career by inviting him to sing with her.

“After such a beautiful career of almost 40 years, it’s been a journey of immense growth to be able to leave [something valuable] for future generations,” Tañón expressed joyfully. Having a successful career “sometimes takes a long time,” she added, “but by doing the right things, you can get there.”

Later in the evening, Tañón will participate in a tribute to Celia Cruz alongside La India and Ivy Queen.

With nearly four decades of an artistic career, Olga Tañón has not only won hearts but has also helped shape the tropical music style, earning a special place in the history of Latin music thanks to her interpretive quality, her unmistakable mezzo-soprano voice, and her high energy on stage.

Since launching her solo career in 1992, 20 of her albums have entered Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, including two that reached No. 1: Llévame Contigo (1997) and Te Acordarás de Mí (1998). On the Tropical Airplay chart, she holds the record as the female artist with the most top 10 entries (29 in total), with hits like “Es Mentiroso,” “Cómo Olvidar,” and “El Frío de Tu Adiós,” to name a few.

The Grammy and Latin Grammy winner was also recognized this year by Billboard among the top 10 Best 50 Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time.

Hosted by 2024 honoree Ana Bárbara, the third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special is broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via 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), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), and Celia Cruz, who, on the centenary of her birth, is posthumously recognized with the Legend Award and featured in the new Billboard Español cover story.

Watch Olga Tañón on the pink carpet during Billboard‘s livestream here.

For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.