Joy Huerta Champions Empathy and Community at Billboard Latin Women in Music 2026
Joy Huerta, the lead vocalist of the acclaimed Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy, brought a profound sense of grace and sensitivity to the 2026 Billboard Latin Women in Music special. During the event, she was honored with the Spirit of Change Award, presented to her by her close friend, actress Justina Machado.
Reflecting on her journey, Huerta shared how music has served as a constant companion throughout her life. “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,” she remarked. “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.”
The Power of Collective Action
Huerta used her platform to challenge the notion that individual heroism is the primary driver of societal progress. Instead, she championed the strength found in unity and shared responsibility. “Real change doesn’t come from one voice; it comes from many — coming together, supporting each other, listening to one another,” she stated. “And it also comes from empathy, from how we treat others.”
Her speech specifically highlighted the importance of extending this empathy to marginalized groups, including minorities, women, and animals. “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,” she added.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Beyond her musical achievements with Jesse & Joy—which include chart-topping hits like “¡Corre!” and “Mi Tesoro”—Huerta has established herself as a dedicated activist. She has consistently used her public profile to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, immigrant rights, female empowerment, and animal welfare. Her commitment to these causes has run parallel to her own personal growth as an artist and individual.
Her influence extends to the stage and screen as well. Last year, her work as a co-writer for the musical Real Women Have Curves earned her a Tony Award nomination for best original score. The Spirit of Change award serves as a testament to her ongoing efforts to foster positive transformation within the entertainment industry and the broader world.
The event, hosted by Chiquis, celebrated a diverse group of honorees, including Rosalía, Gloria Trevi, Lola Indigo, Ivy Queen, Julieta Venegas, Becky G, and Young Miko. Before accepting her award, Huerta delivered a moving performance featuring a medley of “Un Besito Más,” “Flying Away,” and “Love (En Nuestro Idioma).”
