Kany García, a lifelong champion of change and social justice, was honored with the Spirit of Change award at the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 gala, which aired Sunday from Miami’s Telemundo Center.
Accompanied by an eight-piece pop/rock band, the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter performed her new autobiographical song “García” and her hit “Te Lo Agradezco.” García, who is experiencing a particularly successful moment, coming off a great tour and about to start another, received her Spirit of Change award from her compatriot and friend Tommy Torres, who introduced her as “a great artist and a great human being,” “whom I consider a great friend.”
García, visibly moved, reciprocated with her own words: “How nice to receive any award in the hands of someone I love deeply like my dear Tommy Torres,” she said.
García then spoke in more depth about the meaning of his award: “It’s time for us to talk more,” she said. “It’s time for us to not only sing and dance and have a great time. It’s time for us to talk more. It’s time for us to use the microphone not only to entertain. We women have experienced such a brutal and incredible imbalance, which is why we’re fighting for something that comes very easily to us. That is why as a woman, being hand in hand with each of the people I see sitting here, receiving this award [is so important].
“I dedicate this to LGBQT+ month, our community’s month,” added García.
In its second annual edition, Billboard Latin Women In Music also honored Karol G as Woman of the Year, Gloria Estefan as Legend, La India as Pioneer, Ana Bárbara with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Ángela Aguilar with the Musical Dynasty award, Camila Cabello for Global Impact and Kali Uchis as Rising Star.
The ceremony is airing on Telemundo and streaming live on the Telemundo app and Peacock.
