Billboard Women in Music 2025: A Night Honoring Power, Artistry, and Global Influence

On March 29, 2025, the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California hosted the Billboard Women in Music 2025 awards — an inspiring celebration of women who shape, lead, and transform the music industry. The evening featured electrifying performances, heartfelt speeches, and well-deserved recognition for both legendary and rising stars.

Source: Billboard

Key Honorees and Highlights

Woman of the Year: Doechii

After making history as the third woman to win Best Rap Album at the Grammys (following Lauryn Hill and Cardi B), Doechii returned to the Billboard stage — where just two years ago she had accepted the Rising Star Award — now as Woman of the Year. She reflected on her journey and called out persistent sexism in the industry: “That’s a problem. Which is why I’m grateful we have Billboard Women in Music.”

Icon Award: Erykah Badu

Introduced by Summer Walker — whom Badu helped deliver twin sons as a doula — the neo-soul legend gave one of the most memorable speeches of the night. Her bold storytelling and boundary-defying artistry reminded the audience why she continues to inspire generations.

Breakthrough Award: Ángela Aguilar

Aguilar used her platform to amplify the voices of immigrant women: “We’re not breaking down. We’re breaking through.” Her stirring performance of Cielito Lindo, joined by a full band and a children's immigrant chorus, earned a standing ovation.

Global Force Award: Jennie (BLACKPINK)

Introduced by Kali Uchis, Jennie accepted the award with a message of empowerment: “This award is for every woman who dares to dream and create and shape the world with her vision.”

Group of the Year: aespa

Greeted with glowing lightsticks and deafening cheers from their devoted MYs, aespa delivered a powerful message: “This is just the beginning.” Their closing performance of Whiplash proved exactly that — a fierce, polished showcase of global K-pop dominance.

Rising Star Award (presented by Honda Stage): Muni Long

Already a hit songwriter for artists like Rihanna and Ariana Grande, Muni Long moved the crowd with her performance of Superpowers. Julia Michaels, who presented the award, praised her fearless leap from songwriter to star.

Songwriter of the Year: Gracie Abrams

Her emotional rendition of I Love You, I’m Sorry left the audience — including Erykah Badu — visibly moved. In her speech, she thanked Taylor Swift “for her pen, which very much raised me.”

Hitmaker Award: Meghan Trainor

Trainor mixed humor with vulnerability in her speech: “Writing songs is my main source of serotonin — next to my kids, Riley and Barry, and my husband, Daryl. I love my therapist. She’s probably watching.”

Impact Award (presented by Bose): Tyla

The South African artist lit up the stage with her fiery performance and reflected on her career: “I thought I had more time, but God had His own plans.” She teased new music on the way.

Powerhouse Award: GloRilla

Quoting her own viral ad-libs, the Memphis rapper lit up the room with her humor and high energy. “Shoutout to Memphis for raising me — and Billboard for honoring me!”

Rulebreaker Award (presented by Crown Royal Whisky): Megan Moroney

Kicking off the show with Am I Okay?, Moroney joked, “I’m a rule follower! I stole a piece of gum at 10 and still think about it.”

Mother of the Year Award: Tina Knowles

Beyoncé and Solange’s mother delivered an emotional speech, thanking her daughters and Destiny’s Child. “I got to mother you all in some way, and you believed in me.”

Billboard Italy Woman of the Year: ANNA

Billboard Canada Woman of the Year: Charlotte Cardin

Performances & Host

Hosted by Laverne Cox, the night was packed with unforgettable performances from aespa, Erykah Badu, Ángela Aguilar, Muni Long, Tyla, Gracie Abrams, and Megan Moroney.

How to Watch

The awards aired live and free on the VIZIO WatchFree+ platform, available via VIZIO TVs or the mobile app. Full red carpet coverage, pre-show interviews, and performance clips are now streaming on Billboard’s YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Billboard Women in Music 2025 was more than a celebration — it was a powerful reminder of how women continue to innovate, uplift, and redefine the global music scene. From rap to R&B, K-pop to country, and every genre in between, these women didn’t just perform — they made history.