J Balvin (real name: José Álvaro Osorio Balvin) will be honored with the Billboard Spirit of Hope Award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, airing Sunday, Oct. 20 on Telemundo. 

Named after the late Selena Quintanilla, the special award celebrates artists who have made extraordinary contributions to humanitarian causes beyond their musical endeavors. The Colombian singer-songwriter will be recognized this year for his philanthropic efforts through his Vibra En Alta Foundation, which aims to elevate young individuals by supporting their educational journeys.

“I’m so grateful, and so honored, to be recognized with such a special award,” he said in a press statement. “It’s important for me, as the artist I am today and that little kid with dreams I once was before – and still is to this day – to be able to support and guide the next generation into realities of their own. I am proud to be able to help the youth and new wave discover their passions through the Vibra en Alta Foundation and help turn those very dreams into realities.” 

Some of the efforts the non-profit organization has achieved in Colombia includes comprehensive service centers; “Tarima Arte Vivo,” a community stage for performers; and a dance school called “El Balcón de Los Artistas.” Currently, the foundation is building a public recording studio called “Medellín Music Lab.” 

Balvin, who will also perform at the 2024 awards ceremony, joins past Spirit of Hope Award recipients Carlos Santana, Carlos Vives, Daddy Yankee, El General, Emmanuel, Gloria Estefan, Juanes, Juan Luis Guerra, Karol G, Los Tigres del Norte, Luis Fonsi, Maná, Marc Anthony, Ricardo Montaner, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Soraya, Olga Tañón, and Willy Chirino. 

Additionally, he will headline the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, returning to Miami Beach on Oct. 14-18, with other confirmed artists including Feid, Young Miko, Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz, Maria Becerra, and Peso Pluma, among many others. For tickets and more details, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.