The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, broadcast live on Telemundo from the James L. Knight Center in Miami on Thursday, October 23, was a spectacular evening celebrating Latin music’s most influential figures. Coinciding with Billboard Latin Music Week, the ceremony recognized trailblazing artists whose work continues to define and elevate Latin sound on a global scale , blending heartfelt speeches, surprise performances, and milestone achievements.

Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny stole the spotlight, receiving the prestigious Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century award. The honor was presented by the legendary Rita Moreno, who, at 93, remains a symbol of Puerto Rican pride and Hollywood legacy. The emotional moment reached its peak when the pair danced briefly to “Baile Inolvidable,” prompting cheers from the Miami audience. Expressing gratitude, Bad Bunny highlighted authenticity as his guiding principle. With multiple No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 — including Debí Tirar Más Fotos (2025), Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (2023), and Un Verano Sin Ti (2022) his dominance is undeniable. Beyond music, Bad Bunny’s cultural reach spans film, fashion, and sports, from co-chairing the Met Gala and partnering with Adidas and Lionel Messi, to his upcoming role as the first Latin-American male solo artist to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2026.

Italian pop powerhouse Laura Pausini received the coveted Billboard Icon Award, recognizing her three-decade career of cross-cultural success. Introduced by Puerto Rican artist Ozuna, Pausini delivered an emotional acceptance speech celebrating her enduring connection with Latin audiences. With over 75 million records sold and six billion global streams, she remains the most internationally recognized Italian voice in Latin music. Her live a cappella performance of “Víveme” and “Mi Historia Entre Tus Dedos” brought the crowd to its feet. Pausini also announced her upcoming 2026 world tour, following her recent collaboration with Rauw Alejandro on a reimagined version of her 1990s hit “Se Fue.”

Mexican sensation Peso Pluma made history as the inaugural recipient of the Billboard Vanguard Award, presented by his partner Kenia Os in one of the evening’s most talked-about moments — sealed with a passionate on-stage kiss. Expressing pride in his musical roots, Peso Pluma reflected on the global rise of Mexican corridos. His 25 Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart and 33 entries on the Hot 100 underscore his extraordinary ascent. Beyond his musical success, Peso Pluma’s appointment as the first Mexican CFDA ambassador for New York Fashion Week underscores his expanding cultural influence. His electric performance of “Apaga La Luz” with RØZ further ignited excitement for his upcoming releases.

Merengue legend Elvis Crespo received the Hall of Fame Award, honoring a 30-year career that revolutionized the genre and introduced it to global audiences. In a heartfelt speech, Crespo thanked his family, fans, and faith, recalling the journey that began with his iconic 1998 hit “Suavemente,” which topped Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart for six weeks. His follow-up hit, “Tu Sonrisa,” achieved similar acclaim, helping cement his status as a Latin music pioneer. The award celebrates Crespo’s career as both performer and cultural ambassador, whose music continues to bridge generations.

Hosted by Colombian star Goyo and Mexican journalist Javier Poza, the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards stood as a testament to Latin music’s vibrant diversity and boundless global reach. From legends like Crespo and Pausini to genre-defying innovators like Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma, the evening reaffirmed that Latin music isn’t just thriving — it’s shaping the future of global pop culture.