The legendary Panamanian artist was honored the day after his Icon Q&A at Billboard Latin Music Week.

Rubén Blades Omar Charcousse

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Rubén Blades was recognized Thursday (Oct. 22) with the Billboard Icon Award at the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards . The legendary Panamanian artist received the accolade, which recognizes an artist whose career has not only remained relevant over time but who has also established himself as one of the most distinguished figures in his genre — celebrated globally for achieving both musical and commercial success.

“Many thanks to Billboard magazine for this honor bestowed upon a Latin American from Panama — an honor I accept on behalf of all his fellow artists,” Blades said upon receiving the award from his colleague and friend, Puerto Rican artist Gilberto Santa Rosa. “Success never happens on its own; it is the result of many factors. There are many people better than I am who do not receive the recognition they deserve.…