Colombian Superstar Karol G is breaking music records. And, for that, she was named Billboard's "Woman of the Year" last night.
At the 17th annual award show recognizing female artists in music, Karol G took the top honor this year. Decked out in a metallic gold gown on the blue carpet before the event, she was all smiles, expressing her overwhelming joy.
“It’s an incredible honor: Woman of the Year,” Karol G tells Billboard, before the show. “I think I have to say that it's the most significant award or recognition that I can get in my life. “I can't believe it, but I'm super happy.”
And that's not all. Karol G lit up the stage with a powerhouse performance in Spanish, for a celebrity-filled audience.
The gala also celebrated the global impact of female artists. From Colombia to Australia, England to South Korea, Nigeria to Brazil, the annual event showcased the diverse and powerful voices shaping the music industry.
Karol G: ‘Woman of the Year in Music’
“She’s showing no signs of slowing down,” Billboard explains. “Woman of the Year' Karol G, the Colombian Superstar, is breaking records and cementing her place in Latin music history.”
The singer’s goal is simple enough: world domination.
“If you ask me what my dream is,” Karol G says in an interview with Billboard, after receiving the award. “It would be that the world knows your name. That would be awesome.”
According to her many fans around the world, her dream has come true. Even VIPs in the music industry know and respect Karol G’s work.
“I'm excited for Karol G. I'm just such a fan,” Perry said during an interview.
Karol G Breaks Billboard Records
She’s been breaking records all year.
With an impressive 30 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including the top 10 hit "TKG" featuring Shakira in 2023, she has solidified her position as a powerhouse.
However, it's on the hot Latin Songs chart where Karol G truly shines, boasting a staggering 63 songs – the most of all time for a female artist. Among these, 26 have reached the top 10, and an astounding eight have claimed the No. One spot.
Her "collab" with Anuel, Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, and Jay Balvin spent 12 weeks at the top.
“In fact, she has the third most number ones among women on the hot Latin Songs chart after Gloria Estefan with 15, and Shakira, with 13,” Billboard explains.
Additionally, her Grammy-winning album "Mañana Será Bonito" made history as the first all-Spanish-language album by a female artist to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Billboard Women in Music 2024
The illustrious Billboard Women in Music 2024 gala honored some of the music industry's most remarkable female talents. Held at the glamorous YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, on the evening of March 6, the event brought together nearly 50 celebrities, creating a star-studded guestlist that was a testament to the immense talent and achievements of women in music.
“The honorees for the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards demonstrate the degree to which music has become a global enterprise,” Yahoo News writes. “There are honorees from Colombia (Karol G), Australia (Kylie Minogue), England (Charli XCX and PinkPantheress), South Korea (NewJeans), Nigeria (Tems), Brazil (Luisa Sonza), the Phillippines (Sarah Geronimo), Italy (Annalisa), Puerto Rico (Young Miko) as well as the continental U.S. (Maren Morris, Ice Spice and Victoria Monét).”
About the Billboard Women in Music award
The Billboard Women in Music award was first established in 2007 by Billboard This prestigious award recognizes women in the music industry who have made significant contributions to the business and have inspired generations of women to take on increasing responsibilities within the field. The main award is titled "Woman of the Year.”
Here’s a glimpse of some recipients of the "Woman of the Year" award over the years:
- Reba McEntire (2007): Honored for her success as a recording artist, contributions to the business, and leadership in embracing the changing music industry.
- Taylor Swift (2011, 2014): The most awarded woman at this event, receiving two "Woman of the Year" awards and the "Woman of the Decade" award.
- Cardi B (2020): The first rapper to receive this accolade.
Last night's show was sold out, but fans can watch it stream starting March 7, at 8 p.m. EST, on billboardwomeninmusic.com.
