The night of Wednesday, April 29, turned into an unforgettable show during the Billboard Women in Music 2026 Awards when Thalia took the stage with a vibrant performance full of energy, color and a deep sense of cultural identity.
The artist not only captivated with her presence, but also paid tribute to her roots by including a full mariachi band in her musical number, achieving one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
Thalía at the Billboard Women in Music Awards : A medley that set the stage on fire
The Mexican singer, who was recognized with the Icon Award, offered an electrifying medley of two of her greatest hits: “Piel morena” and “Amor a la mexicana”. Both songs marked important milestones in her career, reaching the top 10 of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart in the 1990s.
Dressed in a striking red outfit -a short dress with a flowing cape of the same color- Thalia began her performance with the first chords of “Piel morena”, accompanied only by guitarists. Little by little, the staging grew with the appearance of dancers dressed in white mariachi-inspired costumes.
The climax came with “Amor a la Mexicana”, when the stage was completely transformed: the band Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea appeared to accompany her, while a group of male mariachis emerged from the audience, creating an immersive experience that made everyone in the audience vibrate.
After her performance, and still visibly moved, Thalía received the prestigious award from the hands of Eva LongoriaEva Longoria, who highlighted the magnitude of her career and described her as a true “chingona”.
Upon taking the floor, the singer expressed her gratitude with a speech full of emotion and reflection. She thanked Billboard, her family, her fans and all the people who have been part of her journey for more than four decades. She acknowledged that her career has transcended generations, languages and borders.
The meaning of being an icon
During her speech, Thalia elaborated on what it means to be considered an icon. She explained that it is not just about recognition or fame, but about representing something bigger: a culture, a history and a moment that remains in the public’s heart.
He also stressed that the true value of this title lies in opening doors for others, in persisting despite uncertainty and in constantly reinventing oneself. He stressed that an icon is also someone who resists, who falls and gets up again, driven by the determination to move forward.
In one of the most emotional moments of the night, the artist dedicated the award to her younger version: that little girl who, at only seven years old, discovered her passion for the stage. She fondly recalled that beginning full of dreams and magic, recognizing that this essence is still alive inside her.
Finally, he addressed a powerful message to the new generations, inviting all children and young people not to give up on their dreams. With enthusiasm and pride, he closed his participation with a phrase that echoed throughout the room: “Long live Mexico, long live Latinos, thank you!
Here you can watch Thalia’s performance at the awards.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
