Although the late singer-songwriter, Jenni Rivera has passed, her presence at the 2013 Billboard's Mexican Music Awards was stronger than ever at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles last night.

The talented Mexican artist, who was known as "La Diva de la Banda," was the big winner of the night, posthumously taking seven honors in the most coveted categories, including Artist of the Year, Female Artist, Record of the Year and Digital Download of the Year.

The beloved singer, who died last December in a plane crash, was also remembered with a tribute.

"She's still alive in our hearts," said presenter Monica Noguera.

Fresh off of their performance at the 'Camino Americano: March for Dignity and Respect,' rally at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 8, Los Tigres took off their political Immigration Reform hats to trade them in for their musical cowboy hats.

Despite its 48-year tenure as a band, Los Tigres del Norte noted: "It's very difficult to compete with other generations," Los Tigres' bassist Hernán Hernández said as the band accepted the "Lider" special award for their leadership and social activism. "But I think it's not about competing," Hernández observed. "It's about sharing the music."

Dubbed "the leader of Regional Mexican's new generation," Gerardo Ortiz, the singer of corridos and pop-flavored ballads, holds the record as the winner of the most Billboard Mexican Music Awards won by a single artist. This year, he took home four awards this year, giving him a total of 17 awards.

"It's difficult this path (of music), thanks to all the people who are part of the project of Gerardo Ortiz," said the singer, according to People En Español.

Another highlight of the night was Joan Sebastian, who was honored with Billboard's La Voz Award, given to a unique artist with a distinctive voice, persona and career, as well as Ranchero/Mariachi Artist of the Year and Ranchero/Mariachi Album of the Year for "13 Celebrando el 13."

With a standing ovation Banda El Recodo was awarded the 'Premio Legado Musical'. "This is an award for all the members that have been part of the Banda El Recodo in 75 years," said the leader of the agrupacón, Poncho Lizarraga, before giving his brother, clarinetist Joel Lizarraga a loving embrace.

To see the complete list of winners visit the official awards show website, Telemundo.com/PremiosBillboard.