Karol G was honored as Woman of the Year at the Billboard Latin Women in Music gala, which aired on Sunday (June 9). Although the Colombian hitmaker is currently on her Mañana Será Bonito European tour, she appeared via video to share a heartfelt message.
But before playing Karol's video, her father, Guillermo Giraldoaka Papa G, took to the stage to talk about his daughter – one of the most touching moments of the night.
“Good evening everyone,” he began. “Thank you very much Leila [Cobo]at Cisco [Suárez]to Telemundo opening the door for a little girl who at the age of five was singing backup vocals for this artist who wasn't that successful,” Papa G said, referring to himself.
“Today we are here receiving this great recognition as Woman of the Year. We are very sad because [Karol] could not join us today as she is on her world tour in Zurich, [but] I am very happy to be surrounded by so many stars, so many legends, so many talented women who are sweeping the world of music today. Thanks to each of you, the fans, the great team, we celebrate this beautiful day thanks to them.”
Then it was Carol's turn to speak. Sounding emotional and grateful, the “Amargura” singer — who was also named Billboard Women in Music's Woman of the Year in March — began her speech by thanking Advertising sign for prices.
Below is Karol's full speech, with everything translated from Spanish to English.
“Good evening, family. Good evening to everyone watching. Thanks, Advertising sign, for this recognition. Woman of the Year for Advertising signWoman of the Year for Billboard Latin. Not only this year, the last two years of my career have been the most beautiful. The whole process is incredible, but these last few years have been like reaping so many things that I have sown in my life. I feel very grateful for this recognition. I feel very honored for what it stands for, for the responsibility behind it as well. I want to say a huge thank you to all the women who helped me get this tonight — I think it's not just my job but the job of all the women who are a part of what I do.
“To the women who have collaborated with me on my music, to those who have participated in my projects, to all the women at home who listen to me and who are also a part of all this success. What a beautiful way to celebrate women, their work, their commitment, their discipline, their dedication, who we are as people. I also want to thank those who are at home and working every day for their dreams. Don't stop believing in yourself. I believe it is not only about pursuing a goal, but also about making the world more beautiful, more special, [and] that, ultimately, the bottom line is to make this women's movement the biggest in the world.”
“I feel very happy. I think there is a part of my heart that feels very nostalgic for these beautiful things that happen to me. They make me remember all the years of my career, all the years of work, effort, obstacles, of closed doors, of mockery, of sacrifices and many tears, but also of happiness. I always say that people fear the process, but the process is the most beautiful thing, the experience it leaves you with.”
“That just makes me want to keep working really hard. The number one thing on my bucket list is to continue to inspire people around the world. I will give my best every day, working, studying, preparing myself to continue to bring some light. Thank you very much to everyone, all the women who are there tonight. Congratulations to all of you. I am receiving Woman of the Year today, but there will be others in the future, just as there have been others in the past who have given me this opportunity. I hope this movement doesn't stop growing. Thank you all very much. I love you all very much.”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/karol-g-woman-of-the-year-award-speech-billboard-latin-women-in-music-2024-1235704878/
