Joy — the lead vocalist of the Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy — brought all her sweetness and sensitivity to the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2026 special, where she delivered an emotional speech while accepting the Spirit of Change award from her friend, actress Justina Machado. Related Thalia Salutes Joy: ‘Her Spirit Has Genuinely Sought Change In Music and Beyond’ Nick Jonas Announces Intimate 'A Night with Nick' Shows Ball Park Music, Jem Cassar-Daley Win Big at 2026 QMAs “Music has always accompanied me. It has been present in my earliest memories, in the most beautiful moments, and in the saddest and most difficult times,” the Mexican singer-songwriter began.
“It gave me a way to connect and tell stories to build bridges. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that changing the world is not always an enormous act; it starts with the small things, it starts with how we speak to one another, it starts with how we see each other, how we choose to love, and every person’s right to live that love freely.” “Real change doesn’t come from one voice; it comes from many — coming together, supporting each other, listening to one another. And it also comes from empathy, from how we treat others,” she continued, mentioning animals, minorities and women.
“I accept this recognition with an open heart, reminding us that the spirit of change does not come from one person, but from the community, and in how we treat and support each other.” As part of Jesse & Joy, the artist has achieved international recognition and earned multiple entries on Billboard charts with hits like “¡Corre!” and “Mi Tesoro.” But the lead vocalist of the award-winning Latin pop duo has also proven to be a force on her own, consistently using her voice to advocate for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ equality, female empowerment, the fight against gender violence, and animal welfare — all while navigating her own personal growth. Last year, her Broadway debut as co-writer of the songs for the musical Real Women Have Curves earned her a Tony Award nomination in the category of best original score.
Today, she receives the Spirit of Change award at Billboard Latin Women in Music — which recognizes artists who promote positive changes within music and beyond entertainment. Joy was saluted for inspiring change through her music, activism, and unwavering commitment to inclusion and justice. Moments before accepting the award, Joy performed a heartfelt medley of “Un Besito Más,” “Flying Away” — a song she wrote for Real Women Have Curves — and “Love (En Nuestro Idioma).” Hosted by Chiquis, the fourth edition of Latin Women in Music was broadcast Thursday (April 23) on Telemundo. Honorees included Rosalía (Woman of the Year), Gloria Trevi (Lifetime Achievement Award), Lola Indigo (Artistic Evolution), Ivy Queen (Pioneer), Julieta Venegas (Artistic Excellence), Becky G (Global Impact), and Young Miko (Unstoppable Artist).