On Monday, the Chilean Society of Authors and Performers (SCD) presented Gloria Benavides with the 'Fundamental Figure of Chilean Music' award during a ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel in Santiago.
The award honors the artist's seven-decade career, placing her among an elite group of national musicians who have received this prestigious distinction.
During the event, Benavidades expressed her emotion upon receiving the trophy. "This is one of the most important awards I have ever received in my life," the performer stated.
The artist also made it clear that this milestone does not signal the end of her professional career. "I don't want to close any chapters; I hope God grants me a little more life so that I can continue giving my all," she remarked.
A legacy beyond music
SCD President Rodrigo Osorio highlighted the artist's ability to connect with the public across multiple disciplines. According to the executive, Benavides' work transcends music alone.
"Gloria is much more than just voice and melodies. Gloria represents popular culture, slang, characters, and expressions," Osorio maintained during his speech.
He emphasized that music has always been the centerpiece of her projects, whether in comedy, theater, or animation. "In every endeavor she undertook, music was never absent," he added.
The ceremony was attended by prominent industry colleagues, including José Alfredo “Pollo” Fuentes, Denisse Malebrán, and Alanys Lagos. The event featured performances of the artist's classics, such as "La Gotita" and "Las películas tristes me hacen llorar."
With this award, Benavides joins other icons of national music, such as Cecilia, Los Jaivas, Jorge González, and Myriam Hernández, in receiving this prestigious recognition.