During an episode of El Gordo y la Flaca, an unexpected moment captivated the audience when Lili Estefan expressed her astonishment upon hearing her daughter, Lina Luaces, speak fluent Spanish. Lina, recently crowned Miss Universe Cuba 2025, left her mother momentarily speechless. "I hear your Spanish, and I don't recognize you. I don't recognize my daughter speaking Spanish," Lili admitted, her surprise evident.
Lina responded confidently, sharing how she dedicated herself to mastering the language: "Twenty-four hours a day. Sadly, my friends don't speak Spanish. I told them I needed to distance myself for two months to only speak Spanish with people who could help me improve and correct my mistakes."
In a mix of jokes and pride, Lili recalled warning Lina about the importance of speaking Spanish at home. Lina humbly acknowledged, "My mom was right," admitting that the journey was challenging yet essential. Her dedication to the language has been a crucial part of her preparation as Cuba's representative on the international stage.
The exchange highlighted the bond between mother and daughter while addressing an issue affecting many families in exile: the erosion of language across generations. Lili expressed immense pride, not just for the crown, but for witnessing her daughter embrace Spanish as a vital aspect of her identity.
On set, the moment transcended a typical interview. It became a testament to Lina's maturity and determination, emphasizing that being Miss Cuba involves more than wearing a sash—it's about connecting with cultural and familial roots.
The clip quickly went viral on social media, sparking praise, criticism, and deep reflections on what it means to be Cuban outside the Island. Meanwhile, Lina continues her preparation in both languages for her next challenge: taking the Miss Universe stage by storm.