It was 2003 when Julieta Venegas revolutionized Latin pop music, with her unmistakable accordion in hand and a perfect fusion that wove new sonic stories. Dressed as a bride for her third studio album, Sí, released November 18, she conquered stages beyond Mexico with resounding success.
Now, the Mexican singer-songwriter receives the Artistic Excellence Award at Billboard‘s 2026 Latin Women In Music gala, celebrating her exceptional talent, perseverance, unique creative identity and a timeless catalog that transcends trends, leaving a lasting cultural imprint that embodies the very essence of this award.
On the Billboard charts, Venegas has achieved multiple entries with her songs and albums. Among them, Limón y Sal earned her first top 10 entry on Top Latin Albums in 2006, while enduring hits like “Me Voy” and “Andar Conmigo” charted on Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay.
In 2021, Venegas returned to the top 10 of Hot Latin Songs after 14 years thanks to “Lo Siento BB:/” alongside Tainy and Bad Bunny. The unexpected collaboration was created by the Puerto Rican producer, a longtime fan who says he had not only been inspired by her music but also dreamed of working with her one day.
Below, Tainy speaks about the relevance and influence of Venegas in his life and career.
Watch Billboard’s Mujeres Latinas en la Música live April 23, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Telemundo, and stream live on Peacock and the Telemundo app. Watch Billboard’s red carpet livestream on the Billboard.com and the Billboard Latin YouTube channel. For more coverage on Latin Women In Music click here.
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I was between seventh and eighth grade when I first listened carefully to Julieta Venegas’ music. Growing up in Puerto Rico, there were many things that people expected you to be listening to. At that time, reggaetón was starting to grow stronger, as was rap, and American rap was also coming in. I remember the music video channels were something we liked to watch. I remember listening to “Lento” [part of Venegas’ album Sí] for the first time. That song really made me a fan of hers; the mix of musicality and her voice.
It also made me understand myself a little better, in that I’m not someone who likes only one genre or type of music. I understood how varied my musical tastes and my way of experiencing music were. One of my all-time favorite albums is Julieta’s MTV Unplugged [in 2008].
I think it’s super cool to see her and the different elements that make her music so unique. “Lo Siento BB:/” was the first single from my first album, Data — something very important to me. I feel that Julieta was always present. As soon as I started working with that piano and the chord progression, I could hear her voice as if it were in my subconscious.
For me, working with Julieta was very important. Seeing her happy and excited is something that makes me grateful that I make music and do something I am passionate about. She fulfilled a dream for me, and I know it was something beautiful and special for everyone. For Benito, it was a surprise too, because he didn’t know anything. It is a moment that marked my career before and after.
Before, in the reggaetón genre, there wasn’t this type of collaboration; the only woman I worked with at the beginning was Ivy Queen, and for a long time, she was the one who opened the doors for many women in the genre.
Seeing now the incredible number of women I have been able to work with is super exciting for me. It is very exciting because the way a woman sees, interprets and works on her music is very different from how a man can.
For me, it is an honor to say that I have worked with Julieta Venegas, Karol G, Rosalía, Shakira, and I hope that number continues to grow from now on, because it is necessary to continue with that representation.