Cristian Castro became emotional on Thursday evening (Oct. 22) as he accepted the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, delivering a poetic speech inspired by love.
“Romantic love and poetry are the only real things — the truest aspects of our human existence, the firmest thought, the clearest expression that emerges from our spirit and our hearts from the time we are children,” the pop icon remarked upon receiving the award from Mexican actress Jacqueline Bracamontes. “It is like when we first behold the soul — the serene calm of morning dew, the Moon, the majesty of a sunset — and that face, that presence, which fills your entire soul and which you cannot cast out from your being.”
“Throughout my life, romantic love has been my focal point and my true ambition — my firmament and my greatest longing,” continued the singer behind No. 1 hits such as “Amor” and “Azul.” “I accept this award in the name of romantic love and in the name of poetry; they are the most beautiful things I have ever possessed — gifts placed within me by God, alongside my voice.”
Castro, who received the honor in recognition of a glittering career spanning more than three decades and his enduring influence on Latin music, also took to the stage for a special performance during the ceremony, broadcast live on Telemundo and Peacock from the James L. Knight Center in Miami. Together with the Mexican-American duo Ha*Ash, he performed their new collaboration “Antes Que Te Cases” live for the first time.
The Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award honors an artist for an exceptional professional career — someone who has elevated Latin music to a new level on the global stage, remains relevant through their artistic and personal contributions, and whose influence has shaped the development of Latin music worldwide. Previous recipients include Andrea Bocelli, Armando Manzanero, Carlos Santana, José José, Maná, Marco Antonio Solís, Ricardo Arjona and Roberto Carlos, among others.
Castro has solidified his place as one of the defining voices of Latin pop and romantic music. His history on the Billboard charts began in 1992 when “No Podrás” became his first entry on Hot Latin Songs, reaching No. 3. His debut album, Agua Nueva, climbed to No. 2 on Top Latin Pop Albums in January 1993. Since then, he has achieved six No. 1s on Hot Latin Songs, including “Nunca Voy a Olvidarte,” “Amor” and “Azul,” which spent four, eleven and nine weeks at the top, respectively. Years later, Viva El Príncipe, his tribute to legendary Mexican singer José José, spent seven weeks at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums in 2011.
With over 12 million albums sold, Castro continues to connect with audiences through his Nada Solo Éxitos Tour, with performances at major venues such as the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City and Madison Square Garden in New York.
The 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards brought together the biggest names in Latin music for a night of unforgettable performances, collaborations and special recognitions. In addition to Castro, special honorees this year included Rubén Blades, who received the Billboard Icon Award; Rosalía, who was honored with the Billboard Hall of Fame Award; and Fuerza Regida, who took home the Billboard Vanguard Award.