Rubén Blades to Receive Icon Award at 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards: ‘No One Succeeds Without Help’
The legendary Panamanian will be honored at the Oct. 22 ceremony un Miami.
Rubén Blades will receive the prestigious Billboard Icon Award at the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, announced by Billboard and Telemundo on September 17. The award ceremony, set for October 22, will take place in Miami and be broadcast live. Known for his influential contributions to Latin music over five decades, Blades has redefined salsa by blending influences from rock, jazz, and pan-Latin music.
His socially conscious lyrics and memorable characters have turned everyday stories into timeless classics. In a statement, Blades expressed gratitude to those who contributed to his career, including musicians, arrangers, composers, and engineers, as well as his longtime group, Roberto Delgado y Orquesta de Panamá. Blades will also participate in an exclusive Icon Q&A during the Billboard Latin Music Week.
Additionally, Blades remains active as an actor and former politician, continuing to record and tour internationally with the Roberto Delgado Big Band, performing songs from his latest album, Fotografías. The 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards will be broadcast live from the James L. Knight Center in Miami on Telemundo and across various platforms. Peso Pluma leads the finalists list with 17 mentions, followed by Tito Double P and Fuerza Regida.
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