The Cuban-American singer and actress Gloria Estefan received the "Legend" award this Sunday at the Billboard Women in Music Latinas 2024 ceremony, in recognition of her 47-year career in the arts.
"I'm going to cry," said the artist upon receiving the award from her husband, also an artist and entrepreneur Emilio Estefan, Telemundo reported.
"And when I cry, I can't speak," added the singer, actress, and songwriter, who took the stage amid a shower of applause and ovations that recognized Gloria's legacy among Latina women dedicated to the music industry.
In her words of gratitude, Gloria recalled the moment she met Emilio, who would later become her husband and confidant, but at that time he was just a "guy playing the accordion."
Furthermore, she recounted the moment she invited her to join the Miami Sound Machine, arguing that at that time there were no bands with women at the forefront: "How things have changed!" exclaimed one of the main pioneers who has paved the way for Latina women in the American music industry.
"Every time I see a woman succeed, it fills my heart with joy and happiness," said Gloria as she thanked Emilio in that moment for always supporting her career. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him," she added.
Before receiving the award from Emilio, he dedicated some beautiful words to him: “I am so proud of you,” an expression they celebrated with a kiss in the midst of the excitement of the audience.
In June 2023, Gloria Estefan became the first Latina woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF).
"What an incredible night! Songwriter SHOF, thanks to all who were there, especially my family who was by my side and to all the fans who have supported and listened to my words throughout the years," said the singer after receiving the recognition.
According to Billboard, among Gloria's main achievements that support this award, is having placed 29 songs on the Hot 100, and of those, three reached number 1: "Anything For You" in 1988, "Don't Wanna Lose You" in 1989, and "Coming Out of the Dark" in 1991.
In addition, 30 songs made it to the Hot Latin Songs chart, with 15 of them reaching the top position.
Her first Spanish-language album, titled "Mi Tierra" (1993), spent 58 weeks at the top of the Top Latin Albums chart, and thanks to that record, she won her first of three Grammy Awards.
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