Bad Bunny was recognized Thursday (Oct. 23) as the Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, in one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments.
Rita Moreno, the nonagenarian Puerto Rican Hollywood legend, surprised Bad Bunny on stage by presenting him with the trophy. “Today I see an artist who brings to the entire world that same strength, that same passion that helped me never give up,” Moreno remarked, as Bad Bunny looked on from the audience. “It moves me from the bottom of my heart, Benito, to present you with the Billboard Latin Artist of the 21st Century Award, Bad Bunny!”
The prestigious honor is based on his unparalleled achievements on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and Hot Latin Songs charts throughout the first 25 years of the century. As he went up to accept his award, the two danced briefly together to the rhythm of “Baile Inolvidable,” creating a magical moment.
“I respect you a lot, I admire you a lot, wow,” Bad Bunny told Moreno. “Following your words, every time I hear other artists express themselves that way about me, it gives me the confidence that being myself and doing the things I do from the heart will always be a great decision, because that’s what I’ve done since day one, discovering who I am and what I represent.”
“I accept this award with pride because I know how hard I’ve worked, not only myself, but everyone on my team,” he said. “I’m aware that this award could have been for any of the artists here tonight who have also contributed to Latin music, who have inspired me, who are why I’m here, and those who are dreaming of being here. I will always identify with those artists because I consider myself a young man who continues to dream, with many goals and things to do.”
He added: “What I’m saying now, I’m saying from the heart. I didn’t have any practiced words. I still don’t understand, among so many artists, why me? But I’m grateful. This is yours because you have me here. I don’t know, God wanted me to receive it because it doesn’t feed my ego. I receive it without arrogance, very humbly, and I will remain the same.”
The excitement had begun moments earlier, when, after the presentation video was shown, Los Pleneros de la Cresta appeared singing their hit collaboration “Café con Ron” in the halls of the James L. Knight Center in Miami — from where the show was airing live via Telemundo.
With historic consistency, the multi-platinum Puerto Rican superstar has shattered records in Latin music on the Billboard charts and beyond. His last four albums — Debí Tirar Más Fotos (2025), Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (2023), Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), and El Último Tour del Mundo (2020) — have all earned unprecedented No. 1s on the all-genre Billboard 200. Beyond the charts, Bad Bunny’s recent concert series at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico marked a milestone by breaking records for its magnitude and economic impact.
He has become a cultural icon, breaking barriers in fashion, film, and music — from co-chairing the Met Gala to collaborating with soccer megastar Lionel Messi on a groundbreaking Adidas partnership — as well as starring in film projects alongside acclaimed directors and actors.
Bad Bunny graces the cover of Billboard‘s October Issue 14. He will also be the first Latin-American male solo artist to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February 2026.