Paquita la del Barrio was honored in a big way at Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 on Thursday (Feb 20), just a few days after it was announced that she died at age 77.

After playing a short clip of when Paquita won the Lifetime Achievement Award at Premio Lo Nuestro in 2016, Mexican music icon Pepe Aguilar, alongside his children Leonardo and Ángela, took the stage to perform an emotional tribute honoring the late legend’s career.

The Aguilar dynasty — among the most nominated artists of the night — sang two of the late singer’s classics: “Me Saludas a la Tuya” and “Tres Veces Te Engañé.” All three artists visibly emotional as they performed and Marc Anthony on his feet, moved by the riveting medley.

With a career spanning over five decades, Paquita la del Barrio was an idol in popular music. In 2011, she received the Billboard Regional Mexican Music Award “La Voz,” and 10 years later, in 2021, she was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards for her exceptional career. Paquita will forever be remembered as a woman who empowered other women through her refreshingly raw and honest lyrics.

Broadcasting live on Thursday (Feb. 20) from the Kaseya Center in Miami, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. Becky G & Carin León lead the list of nominations with 10 nods each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers, with nine nods each; and Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar, with eight nominations each.

La India, Alejandro Fernández and Manuel Alejandro are being honored with special awards. This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.