Elvis Crespo is set to receive the prestigious Billboard Hall of Fame Award during the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, as confirmed by Billboard and Telemundo on Tuesday, October 14. The event, celebrating the merengue legend from Puerto Rico, will take place on Thursday, October 23, and will be broadcast live on Telemundo.
Crespo, who is well-known for his hits such as “Suavemente” and “Tu Sonrisa,” will also perform at the ceremony alongside a talented lineup that includes rising Dominican star Ebenezer Guerra, iconic merengue artist Toño Rosario, and urban artist La Insuperable. “Receiving the Billboard Hall of Fame Award is one of the greatest honors of my career,” Crespo remarked. “This award is not only for me, it’s for merengue, for Puerto Rico, and for every fan who has danced and celebrated life with my music. Sharing this moment on stage is truly unforgettable.”
The Billboard Hall of Fame Award acknowledges artists whose careers extend beyond musical performance and highlights their global influence across various fields. Previous honorees include illustrious figures like Vicente Fernández, Rocío Dúrcal, and Marc Anthony. Crespo’s impressive three-decade-long career is marked by chart-topping hits, making him a cultural icon in the Latin music scene. “Suavemente” dominated the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for six consecutive weeks in 1998, while “Tu Sonrisa” reached the top for two weeks that same year. In addition, Crespo has successfully ventured into crossover territory with hits like “Azukita,” featuring prominent names such as Steve Aoki and Daddy Yankee, and “Bailar” with Deorro.
The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards will also feature performances from renowned artists like Carlos Vives, Danny Ocean, Emilia, and Peso Pluma, creating a night filled with musical celebration. The awards program aligns with Billboard Latin Music Week, which will be hosted at The Fillmore Miami Beach from October 20 to 24. Tickets for the awards and the week-long festivities are now available through Ticketmaster.
As the event approaches, anticipation builds for a night that not only honors Crespo’s remarkable contributions to music but also celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage of Latin music as a whole.