Woman Of the Year
Woman Of the Year
Billboard’s Woman of the year is……
KAROL G
by: Estefania Rosario
New year means new woman of the year and guess who it is? La Bichota herself, Karol G. On February 8th Billboard announced their Woman of the Year for 2024 which left many in shock and impressed.
Colombian singer songwriter Karol G has had a killer 2023 and is starting the new year even stronger. She made history as becoming the first woman to win the best musica urbana category at the 2024 Grammys. In an interview with the Associated Press, she expresses her responsibility as a latina artist in this male dominated genre. “You know, I feel a lot of responsibility about that. As a woman, I have to say, like in my experience, it was tough, like so many things, to be a girl in this industry, in the music that I do, in urban music”(Associated Press). It is very hard for a woman to lead the reggaeton/latin scene but she has proven that if a man can do it a woman can do it better.
This would also become her first ever Grammy. Now she will be honored at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards on March 6th. As soon as the news hit social media, many questioned why Karol G? Well let me tell you.
THE LATIN WAVE
In the most recent years, we have seen latin music rise in popularity in the west . Artists such as Bad Bunny and Karol G have helped with this sudden popularity. We have latin artists topping the Billboard charts, breaking records, and selling out stadiums. Karol G’s fourth studio album "Mañana Será Bonito” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200s chart. This would become the first all spanish-language record by a female artist to debut at No.1. Following the success of this album, she embarked on a sold out North American stadium tour. The “Mañana Será Bonito” Tour made Karol G the highest-grossing latin touring artist of 2023.
photo by: Estefania Rosario
Mañana SerÁ Bonito
Her latest album Mañana será Bonito was a symbol of female empowerment for 2023. The title translates to Tomorrow will be Beautiful which resonated with many of us.The album is about healing from heartbreak, moving on, and becoming the greatest version of ourselves.
Billboard’s editorial director Hannah Karp shared, “With her immense talent, Karol G has created a movement for women across the globe due to her empowering lyrics and inspiring confidence.” “The release of her groundbreaking album Mañana Será Bonito has proven her a force to be reckoned with in both the English and Spanish charts. We are so excited to honor her as Woman of the Year.”
Photo by: Estefania Rosario
CON CORA FOUNDATION
Photo by: Felipe Orvi
Not only is Karol G a hitmaker but she’s also someone who has given back to her community. The Con Cora Foundation was created to support women in vulnerable situations. This foundation aids in the education of imprisoned women, teen mothers, and low income households. In an interview with Billboard, Karol G states “This project is for women in all aspects and situations of vulnerability: Women who have no resources for education; women who are denied their liberty or are close to finishing their [prison] sentences, and we give them a second chance and prepare them and help them in their reintegration; women who are an inspiration because they’ve overcome difficult situations and we give them resources to improve their quality of life; abused women; heads of families; women in the arts, women in sports.” Their symbol is a barbed heart which represents an “armored, empowered, and unwavering heart committed to aiding and supporting other women.” This program has supported girls in STEM fields, art, sports,and latin culture. They have also awarded “Becas Con Cora” scholarships and provided support to educational institutions. In alliance with the Juanfe Foundation, the Con Cora Foundation has provided scholarships to low income teen moms to aid in their higher education which will help improve the life of their families. Through the scholarship program they also provide legal, psychological and social support to these women. This foundation believes in second chances for women from different backgrounds.
Woman of the Year
There is no doubt that Karol G has earned this accolade. From selling out stadiums to giving back to her community, she has become a leader for this generation. Continue breaking those records Karol! We’ll always be cheering you on!