Kali Uchis Named a 2025 ASCAP Women Behind the Music Honoree & More Uplifting Moments
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Kali Uchis to Receive Special Honor
Kali Uchis has been named a 2025 ASCAP Women Behind the Music, alongside honorees Kehlani and KPop Demon Hunters’ lead vocalist EJAE. “Every year, ASCAP looks forward to spotlighting some of music’s most extraordinary women by honoring them for their achievements at our Women Behind the Music event,” said Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP Executive Vice President & Head of Creative Membership, in a statement. “This year we are thrilled to recognize three women who are pushing boundaries and capturing the world’s attention across different genres. Their creative success has propelled them to the top of the charts and is set to inspire the next generation of women in music.”
The Colombian artist will receive her award at the 17th annual ASCAP Women Behind the Music event, taking place Wednesday, Nov. 12in Los Angeles, just weeks after her Superstar Q&A at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami last month.
Lele Pons and Guaynaa are celebrating their first Halloween together as parents. Just days before the spooky holiday on Oct. 31, the Venezuelan social media star and Puerto Rican artist shared a photo of their adorable costume alongside their baby girl. In the cute carousel, the family of three is seen dressed up as Peter Pan (Guaynaa), Wendy Darling (Lele) and Tinkerbell (their daughter) — in costumes designed by Karina Garcia, according to the Instagram post.
This week, Juan Luis Guerra was named “Patrimonio Musical y Poético de República Dominicana” (Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic) by Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (MIREX, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in his native Dominican Republic.
“His career transcends the awards and distinctions he has accumulated,” said Minister Roberto Álvarez during the ceremony, according to a press release. “What is truly significant is his ability to narrate — with poetic verses that seduce and captivate the imagination and the heart — the everyday experiences of our people: their dreams of social justice, their deep faith, their joy, and their unwavering sense of humor.”
During the event, which coincides with the National Day of Merengue and National Day of Bachata, Guerra — behind timeless hits such as “Bachata Rosa,” “La Bilirrubina,” and “Mi Bendicion” — expressed the following: “I would like to conclude by giving glory and honor to the Lord Jesus. If there is one thing I am sure of, it is that my melodies, metaphors, and all my songs come from him.”
The Latin Recording Academy, in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, has announced its inaugural recipient of the Latin Music Educator Award. Honoring an “exceptional educator from the global music community who is making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum,” according to a statement, the first annual award was handed to Luciana Ortega of the Instituto Santa María de San Carlos, in Chile.
As part of the award, the school’s music program will receive a $10,000 instrument donation. Ortega — who has been teaching music for more than 10 years — will be honored during the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas. “We are proud to honor Luciana Ortega with the first Latin Music Educator Award,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Her daily commitment to music students brings to life our mission to honor, celebrate, nurture and elevate Latin music and those that ensure its enduring legacy.”
