By Dana Solomon, Entertainment Correspondent
Selena Gomez has been named Billboard’s 2025 Latin Woman of the Year, a prestigious accolade that acknowledges her powerful influence on Latin music and her commitment to cultural representation. The award spotlights Gomez’s dynamic career and her efforts to break barriers in an industry that is increasingly embracing diversity.
This recognition was revealed as part of the third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music event, which aired live from Miami. Although Gomez could not attend in person due to filming commitments for her hit series “Only Murders in the Building,” she accepted the award via a heartfelt video message that resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike.
A Rising Star Embracing Her Roots
In her acceptance message, Gomez spoke about her deep pride in her Mexican heritage and the impact of seeing Latina women celebrated in mainstream media. She expressed how meaningful it was to be honored among women who share her cultural background and emphasized the importance of visibility and representation.
Gomez’s contributions to the Latin music scene have grown notably over the past year. In early 2025, she collaborated with producer Benny Blanco on the album I Said I Love You First. The project blended both English and Spanish-language tracks, offering a heartfelt exploration of identity, heritage, and emotional depth. One standout from the album, “Ojos Tristes,” a reimagining of a Spanish-language classic, earned the distinction of becoming the first-ever number-one track on Billboard’s Hot Latin Pop Songs chart.
She described the process of creating bilingual music as one of her proudest artistic accomplishments, citing her family as a source of inspiration. The blend of nostalgic influences and contemporary production helped bridge generational gaps and resonated with listeners from a variety of backgrounds.
A Broader Cultural Impact
Beyond her music, Selena Gomez has long been recognized for her advocacy and humanitarian work. She has consistently used her platform to amplify conversations about mental health, particularly among young people. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020, she has openly shared her experiences through interviews, social media, and her 2022 documentary, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me. Her vulnerability has made her a relatable figure for millions coping with similar challenges.
In recent years, Gomez launched the Rare Impact Fund and associated mental health summits through her beauty brand, Rare Beauty. These efforts aim to raise funds and awareness for mental health education and access. Her message has always emphasized that everyone deserves support and understanding, regardless of fame or fortune.
Through both her music and philanthropic work, Gomez has proven to be more than just an entertainer. She is a role model who actively promotes kindness, resilience, and inclusivity.
Celebrating Female Empowerment in Music
The Billboard Latin Women in Music initiative was established to recognize female artists who are not only shaping the sound of Latin music but also redefining its reach and meaning. Gomez now joins an esteemed group of past honorees that includes global powerhouses like Shakira and Karol G.
This year’s event also honored other influential women in the industry, highlighting a growing recognition of female leadership in Latin music. Among the other awardees were Olga Tañón, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Anitta, recipient of the Vanguard Award. Belinda was honored for her career evolution, and a special tribute was held to celebrate the centennial of salsa legend Celia Cruz.
The celebration underscored how far Latin music has come in global visibility and how essential women have been to its evolution. Honoring artists like Selena Gomez sends a powerful message about the importance of cultural storytelling, authenticity, and the enduring strength of women in entertainment.
Looking Ahead
As Selena Gomez continues to evolve as an artist and humanitarian, her influence shows no signs of waning. Her recent successes reflect a maturing sound and vision that connects with audiences around the world. Her recognition as Billboard’s 2025 Latin Woman of the Year is not just a testament to her past achievements—it’s a statement about her future impact.
By embracing her heritage and using her platform to advocate for meaningful change, Selena Gomez is helping to shape a more inclusive and inspiring music industry for generations to come.