THE BILLBOARD WOMEN IN MUSIC AWARDS @ YOUTUBE THEATER

The Billboard Women in Music Awards is an annual event dedicated to honoring the most influential and inspiring women in the music industry. Since its inception in 2007, it has recognized female artists, executives, and visionaries who have made a lasting impact on the music landscape. With categories celebrating achievements in artistry, leadership, and advocacy, the event has become a powerful platform for acknowledging the contributions of women in music.

Originally created as part of Billboard’s ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity and female empowerment in an industry historically dominated by men, the event initially centered around a single Woman of the Year honor. Past recipients include Reba McEntire, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift. Over time, the awards expanded to recognize a broader spectrum of contributions, highlighting not only performers but also the executives and behind-the-scenes leaders shaping the industry.

This year, the 2025 Billboard Women in Music Awards took place at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on March 29, celebrating an extraordinary lineup of honorees. Hosted by Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox, the evening paid tribute to artists ranging from rising stars to legendary icons, each recognized for their groundbreaking work over the past year.

The night’s highest honor, Woman of the Year, was awarded to Doechii, the rapper and singer whose innovative fusion of R&B and rap has cemented her as a powerhouse in the industry. Fresh off her Grammy win for Best Rap Album, Doechii was presented with the award by DJ Miss Milan and producer Jayda Love, two of her closest collaborators. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she took a moment to individually acknowledge every woman on her team, emphasizing that their contributions were just as vital as her own. She also reflected on her journey, noting how just two years ago, she was honored as the Rising Star, making this recognition a full-circle moment in her career.

The Icon Award, which honors artists for their enduring influence and cultural impact, was presented to Erykah Badu, a true legend in the industry. Past recipients of this prestigious honor include Mary J. Blige, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna. Badu, known for her eccentric and genre-defying style, performed in a bold and unconventional outfit featuring exaggerated thighs and a sculpted silhouette before accepting her award from Summer Walker. Walker expressed her deep admiration, calling Badu a musical legend and revealing that she played a personal role in her life as the doula for the birth of her twin sons. During her speech, Badu dedicated the award to her mother, sister, and daughters, delivering a moving message about the power and resilience of women. She declared that the wisest, most invincible creatures in the world are women, reinforcing the night’s theme of female empowerment.

The Global Force Award was given to Jennie, a member of the global phenomenon BLACKPINK, recognizing her impact as a solo artist. With the release of her debut album Ruby and hit single “Mantra”, Jennie has established herself as a dominant figure in the global music scene. She was presented the award by Kali Uchis, a recent collaborator on Ruby. Overwhelmed by the moment, Jennie appeared visibly nervous on stage but was met with thunderous cheers from her fans, helping to center her. She expressed deep gratitude to her supporters, acknowledging the female collaborators who contributed to her project and closing her speech with a heartfelt thank-you to her mother.

The night also recognized a stellar group of women across various genres and disciplines, including Ángela Aguilar, who received the Breakthrough Award, Meghan Trainor, who accepted the Hitmaker Award with a humorous speech thanking her therapist, Megan Moroney, who was honored with the Rulebreaker Award, GloRILLA who earned the Powerhouse Award, and Muni Long, who was celebrated as the Rising Star after a breakout year in R&B. In a historic moment, Tina Knowles was presented with the first-ever Mother of the Year Award for her role in raising and uplifting strong women in the industry.

The evening was elevated by electrifying performances from Gracie Abrams, Tyla, Ángela Aguilar, Megan Moroney, and Muni Long. K-pop sensation aespa, winners of the Group of the Year award, closed out the show with a show-stopping performance of their song “Whiplash”, leaving the audience in awe.

As the curtains fell on the 2025 Billboard Women in Music Awards, the event stood as a testament to the talent, resilience, and innovation of women in music. More than just a night of celebration, the ceremony served as a movement—one that amplifies female voices, fosters inclusivity, and continues to inspire future generations to break barriers and redefine the music industry.

Written and photographed by: Ana Oquendo