The annual Billboard Women in Music Awards set the Youtube Theater at Hollywood in Inglewood, California on fire on Saturday, 29 March. Hosted by the vibrant and charismatic Laverne Cox, the night was filled with breathtaking performances, emotional speeches, and historic wins. The night featured stunning performances from Erykah Badu, delivering a soulful, jazz-infused set, to Megan Moroney, bringing country flair to the event and Gracie Abrams, captivating the audience with her emotional ballads.
The Billboard Women in Music Awards is one of the most prestigious annual events dedicated to honoring female artists, executives, and pioneers who have made significant contributions to the music industry. Established in 2007, this event has become a crucial platform for recognizing women’s achievements in a field that has historically been dominated by men.
Unlike other music awards that focus solely on commercial success, the Billboard Women in Music Awards shine a spotlight on women who have not only excelled on the charts but also influenced the industry through innovation, leadership, and advocacy. From pop sensations to industry executives, the event celebrates a wide spectrum of talent, ensuring that every woman—whether a chart-topping star, a behind-the-scenes power player, or a trailblazing newcomer—receives the recognition she deserves.
The Billboard Women in Music Awards was founded in response to the glaring gender disparity in the music industry. While female artists have always been an integral part of the music landscape, they often received less recognition compared to their male counterparts. The introduction of this award show aimed to address this gap by giving women a platform where their contributions could be celebrated and amplified.
Since Billboard’s inception in 2007, the event has grown significantly, evolving from a small-scale gathering to a globally recognized celebration attended by some of the biggest names in the industry. The awards have expanded to include diverse categories that honor not just singers, but also executives, producers, and rising talents. Over the years, legendary artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, and Nicki Minaj have graced the stage, delivering powerful speeches that have inspired generations of female musicians.
The Billboard Women in Music Awards is more than just a celebration of musical achievements; it is a movement that acknowledges the challenges women face in the industry and promotes inclusivity. Despite the progress made in recent years, the music industry still struggles with gender representation, especially in areas like production, songwriting, and executive leadership. The Billboard Women in Music Awards help to highlight these issues while providing role models for future generations.
While mainstream awards like the Grammys and MTV VMAs recognize commercial success, Billboard’s event focuses on women who are shaping the industry in unique ways. This includes executives, creative directors, and emerging artists whose work might not always be reflected in chart rankings but is crucial to the evolution of music. Many of the award recipients use their acceptance speeches to advocate for important causes, such as mental health awareness, racial and gender equality, and women’s empowerment. These speeches often resonate beyond the music industry and contribute to broader social conversations.
Billboard event does not solely focus on American artists but also acknowledges women who have made a global impact. With the rise of K-pop, Afrobeats, and Latin music, artists like BLACKPINK, Shakira, and Rosalía have been honored for their worldwide influence. The Billboard Women in Music Awards features several prestigious categories, each designed to recognize a different aspect of female excellence in the industry.
Major Billboard Highlights of the 2025 Awards
Woman of the Year – Doechii
Doechii, the genre-blending artist who has been redefining the sound of hip-hop and R&B, was honored as Woman of the Year. Having won the Rising Star Award in 2023, Doechii’s journey from an emerging artist to a dominant force in the industry has been nothing short of inspiring. Doechii styled by Jason Bolden, the mastermind behind Zendaya’s legendary red carpet looks, walked onto that stage in a custom Mugler suit that looked like it was engineered for a futuristic goddess. Think sharp silhouettes, cinched waist, exaggerated shoulders, and a plunging neckline that screamed power, not just sex appeal.
The crowd was on its feet before she even spoke. SZA wiped a tear, Megan Thee Stallion clapped like she already knew this was overdue, and the whole room felt the shift. In her acceptance speech, she thanked artists like Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill for paving the way and dedicated her award to young women of color pursuing their musical dreams. “This ain’t just about me,” she said, voice steady. “This is for every Black girl who was told she was too loud, too weird, too different—turns out, that’s our superpower.”
Global Force Award – Jennie (BLACKPINK)
K-pop icon Jennie of BLACKPINK was recognized for her international success and her influence in breaking barriers for Asian artists in Western markets. She gave a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity in music. “This is for every girl who dreams beyond borders”, she said.
Jennie Kim and Chanel is a love story written in couture. Jennie stepped out in a rare 1990s vintage Chanel tweed set, styled by Kim Young-jin.
Mother of the Year – Tina Knowles
First of all, Tina Knowles is music royalty, so it only made sense that she stepped out looking like a literal queen. Styled by Zerina Akers, the genius behind Beyoncé’s best Black Is King looks, Tina Knowles wore a custom gold lamé gown by Nigerian designer Lisa Folawiyo, dripping in intricate beadwork and embroidery, and accepted the Mother of the Year award with the kind of grace that had Kelly Rowland dabbing her eyes and Blue Ivy clapping proudly from the VIP section.
And for accessories, Tina Knowles stacked gold cuffs, a bold choker, and the sleekest, most flawless waves you’ve ever seen. Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange, was honored for her unwavering support in shaping two of the most influential artists of this generation. In her acceptance speech, she encouraged mothers saying, “To all the mothers raising dreamers,” she said, “keep pushing them, keep believing in them, and one day, you’ll be watching them change the world.”
Powerhouse Award – GloRilla
The Powerhouse Award is for the ones who shake the room every time they drop a song, and GloRilla? That’s her. If you haven’t realized that GloRilla is one of the most exciting names in rap right now, then you’re not paying attention. GloRilla has never been the girl to blend in. So, naturally, when she accepted her Powerhouse Award, she wore a custom Rick Owens look that gave futuristic street goth.
The leather bodice, the dramatic oversized sleeves, the asymmetrical skirt that moved like liquid metal—it was giving hip-hop warrior princess in the year 2050. GloRilla was styled by Kollin Carter, the man who turns Cardi B into a fashion icon every time she steps outside. With her infectious energy and chart-dominating hits, GloRilla was recognized as a powerhouse artist who has taken the hip-hop scene by storm. In her acceptance speech, GloRilla said she’s just getting started, “A year ago, I was in the crowd watching this. Now I’m up here? Yeah, we just getting started.”
The night came to an energetic end with Doechii closing the show with a high-energy medley, ending with an explosion of confetti and SZA running on stage to hug her.
The Billboard Women in Music Awards continues to be a beacon of empowerment, recognizing the achievements of women in an industry where they have historically been underrepresented. Beyond celebrating chart-toppers, it acknowledges pioneers, visionaries, and rising stars who are pushing boundaries and shaping the future of music.
As the world moves toward greater gender inclusivity, events like these play a crucial role in ensuring that female voices are heard, celebrated, and respected. Whether it’s honoring legends like Beyoncé, recognizing trailblazers like Doja Cat, or celebrating global superstars like Jennie, the Billboard Women in Music Awards remain an essential part of the industry’s progress toward equality and excellence.
