Leila Cobo, Billboard's Co-Chief Content Officer, has received the 2026 Fulbright Colombia Excellence Award in the Cultural and Artistic Advocacy category. The Colombian journalist, author and pianist was honoured at a ceremony at the US Ambassador's residence in Bogotá, with the evaluation committee's decision described as unanimous, recognising her career, ethical integrity, academic merit and contribution to cultural development.

Cobo, herself a former Fulbright scholar who used the scholarship to study at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School, was presented with the award by Hugo Guevara of the US Embassy. The recognition comes shortly after her promotion to Co-Chief Content Officer at Billboard, where she oversees Latin and country music coverage as well as the Billboard Latin Music Week event, due to take place in Miami Beach from 19 to 22 October. Established in 2007, the award has previously gone to figures including former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos and scientist Brigitte Baptiste.