Young Miko Receives Impact Award Presented by American Express at Billboard’s Women in Music 2024

Meghan Mahar
·2 min read
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This feature was created in paid partnership with American Express. Check out more from Women in Music here.

Young Miko received the American Express Impact Award at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music celebration for empowering women and trailblazing representation of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Young Miko has made it her mission to confidently celebrate her identity and elevate other women and LGBTQ+ voices. Miko is one of the only openly lesbian artists in Latin rap and reggaetón, sharing her experiences through her lyrics. Her proud representation in a heteronormative music culture is creating space for those who follow her to express their identities without fear. She also leverages her artistry to elevate other voices, collaborating with other queer artists in the urbano scene.

Young Miko accepted the American Express Impact Award at YouTube Theater during Billboard’s highly anticipated Women In Music event on Wednesday, March 6. Fans in attendance were treated to a live performance of her unreleased song “Curita.”

Young Miko’s bold, confident lyrics empower women in her home territory of Puerto Rico and beyond. Her unapologetic tellings of her experiences paired with visuals of women stepping into their power inspire her fans to not only be self-assured, but to support the women around them. Miko shows her commitment to this ethos by frequently tapping women for collaborations, amplifying their voices in a male-dominated industry.

Fellow woman in rap Saweetie presented the Impact Award, detailing the significance of Young Miko’s success. “The American Express Impact Award is about more than just Young Miko’s unapologetic rhymes and stellar vocal delivery. She is also lending her voice to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and women in Puerto Rico and beyond! Her lyrics champion empowerment, individuality, resilience, and self-confidence.”

Young Miko accepted the award onstage, reflecting on the influence of women in her life. “My mom has always told me since I was little that life is way too short, not to fall in love, but crazy in love. And I know that she doesn’t mean other people,” Miko shared, “She means falling in love with yourself, with who you are, with what you do, your morals, what you believe in. And I think that’s just the message I want to put out tonight because I don’t think there’s a better way to impact other people than being yourself.”

American Express made the event extra special for their Card Members. Card Members were given early access to purchase tickets to the event, which later sold out. Additionally, an exclusive Women in Music experience was offered to Platinum Card® and Centurion® Members, who got to take photos on the red carpet and attend an exclusive meet and greet with Women in Music award presenter and pop star Bebe Rexha.

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