Paquita la del Barrio made her way to the stage to receive her Lifetime Achievement Award — which honored the songstress for her enduring career in ranchera and bolero — at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday (Sept. 23).
Oh, and she was escorted to the stage by none other than Bad Bunny, who also held her mic as she delivered an emotional speech. “Thank you for taking me into consideration and for distinguishing me with this honor,” she told the audience, who celebrated her with a standing ovation. “I have so many things I could say but I prefer to simply thank you for the love.”
Known for her female-empowerment anthems such as “Rata de dos Patas,” “Me Saludas a la Tuya” and “Tres Veces Te Engañé” — which denounce macho culture and attitude — Paquita la del Barrio boasts 50 years in the industry.
Paquita la del Barrio then returned to the stage dressed in a bedazzled angelic white dress to perform “Rata de Dos Patas,” accompanied by a mariachi. She was then joined by Ana Bárbara for a powerful “El Consejo” duet.
Past recipients of the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award include Armando Manzanero, Miguel Bosé, Conjunto Primavera, Santana, Los Temerarios, Emmanuel, Intocable, José José, Marco Antonio Solís, Ricardo Arjona and Maná, among others.
