La India will be honored with the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 Pioneer Award

La India will be honored with the Pioneer Award at the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 event, Advertising sign and Telemundo announced Tuesday (June 4).

The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, also known as the “Princess of Salsa,” will receive an honor that recognizes those who have blazed new trails, broken barriers and inspired future generations through their innovative artistry, cultural impact and lasting legacy. The show will air exclusively on Telemundo this Sunday (June 9) at 9 p.m. (ET), and will also be available on the Telemundo app and Peacock.

“Since the release of her first album [Dicen Que Soy in 1994], La India ushered in a new era and sound for salsa music that represents female empowerment and becomes a voice for Latinas,” the release states. “She achieved remarkable success in a historically male-dominated genre, paving the way for other female salsa artists. Combining traditional salsa with elements of pop, house and other genres, La India contributed to the evolution of salsa music, inspiring future generations of artists and expanding the genre's reach and appeal.”

In the Advertising sign charts, La India has amassed 11 Tropical Airplay No. 1s, the most by a female on that chart, and has had 15 Tropical Albums entries, also the most of any female act, including six No. 1s.

On Tuesday, Advertising sign and Telemundo also announced that GALE, Sergio George, Arthur Hanlon, Elena Rose and Juliana will all take the stage for special performances and collaborations to celebrate this year's honorees. In addition to La India, Karol G will be honored as Woman of the Year, Gloria Estefan will receive the Legend Award, Camila Cabello the Global Impact Award, Ana Bárbara the Lifetime Achievement Award, Ángela Aguilar the Musical Dynasty Award, Kali Uchis the Rising Star Award, and Kany García the Spirit of Change.

The show will be hosted by Mexican actress Jacqueline Bracamontes and the presenters will include Pedro Capó, Myrka Dellanos, Luis Figueroa, María José, Penélope Menchaca, Andrea Meza and Maripily Rivera.

The Billboard Latin Women in Music franchise recognizes the importance of Latin women in the music industry and honors those who have made a positive impact in the previous year. Honors presented in 2023 included Shakira as Woman of the Year, Ana Gabriel as Living Legend, Emilia as Rising Star and Thalia as Global Powerhouse, among others.