The Cuban-American singer-songwriter spoke exclusively to Billboard backstage.
Camila Cabello was honored with the Global Impact award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music event that aired on Sunday night (June 9) on Telemundo.
During her speech, the Cuban-American singer-songwriter thanked the biggest female inspiration in her life: her mother, Sinuhe Estrabao.
Highlighting her strength and ability to comfort her during difficult times, Cabello said during her acceptance speech: “When the world is suffering, headlines that make my chest ache with news of war and death with dangerous amounts of lack of compassion, my mom reminds me that there is love in this world […] she shows me that there is hope in this world. Her best advice is not something she says but something she practices — her kindness, empathy and most importantly how she treats people.”
Thanks to that example, the “I Luv It” singer — who’s logged 21 career entries on the Billboard Hot 100 including No. 1 hits “Havana” (with Young Thug) and “Señorita” (with Shawn Mendes) — has learned to use her star power and platform to advocate for topics that wholeheartedly matter to her: immigration, mental health, climate change and LGBTQ+ rights, to name a few.
“It feels like it really didn’t sink in until I saw that video, and saw the trajectory of my career and the journey that I’ve been on in the past several years,” Cabello said exclusively to Billboard backstage after receiving her award. “Seeing my parents getting emotional, and seeing things that I’ve been able to do in music but also with people … my interaction with people around the world has been so fulfilling. I’ve just gotten to see so much and feel really thankful that I’ve gotten the opportunity that I’ve gotten to interact with people.”
Cabello is one of eight female artists that were honored at the second annual Billboard Latin Women in Music, including Gloria Estefan (Legend Award), Ana Bárbara (Lifetime Achievement Award), and the woman of the year, Karol G.
Watch the interview below:
