Olivia Rodrigo Named 2022 ‘Woman of The Year’

Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has been officially named the 2022 ‘Woman of the year’ by Billboard for the Women in Music Awards which will return formally on March 2 at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, hosted by Ciara. Fans can purchase tickets this year at Billboard Women in Music for the first time.

The former teen actor turned pop star will be honored as the 2022 Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards. Previous honorees of the following category include Cardi B, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande. This is a remarkable and inspirational title to hold.

According to People, “Billboard’s Women in Music is an annual opportunity for us to meet undeniably influential women from across the industry,” Billboard President Julian Holguin said in a statement. “From Doja Cat to Karol G, Saweetie, and Bonnie Raitt, we couldn’t be more thrilled to honor this diverse group of women pushing limits and breaking down boundaries with a show-stopping live event, and for the first time, invite fans to join in on the celebration in-person.”

Rodrigo became 2021′s biggest breakout star with her confessional, raw, and relatable debut album, breaking chart records with various awards and nominations. Rodrigo’s themes and lyrical depictions of heartache, jealousy, and insecurity on Sour broke streaming records, ultimately leading to all 11 tracks to climb up to the top 30 spots of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making her the first female artist to achieve this monumental moment.

Hannah Karp, Billboard’s Editorial Director, said in a statement, “Olivia’s trajectory to superstardom is the stuff of pop music legend,” said Karp. “Her talents as a storyteller and songwriter have made Olivia one of the most authentic and exciting new artists to explode onto the scene in years.”

Rodrigo released her debut album Sour in May 2021, and with over 385 million streams, it broke Spotify’s record for the most-streamed album in a week by a female artist. The star is also up for seven Grammy Awards at this year’s ceremony, along with a tour coming this Spring.

.@OliviaRodrigo has been named Billboard’s Woman of The Year! 👑Get all the details on 2022 #BBWomenInMusic + buy tickets to the event below. https://t.co/o8wDiO4Ulo

— billboard (@billboard) February 4, 2022

Billboard also announced to fans that Ciara would host this year’s show. The annual event recognizes and sheds light on Women in Music and their impacts on the music industry and communities. For the first time, fans can buy tickets to attend in-person at the Youtube Theater, which is currently on sale to the public.

It’s challenging to navigate a society that often engulfs you with its negativity but to use music as the power to bring light and positivity represents the importance of music and its community. Rodrigo’s contributions in the music industry through her song-writing and lyricism humanizes heartbreak vulnerability, accepting one’s insecurities and life as a young adult in a pretty harsh world. Due to these contributions and the inspirational role model that Rodrigo is, it’s not a doubt that Billboard shouldn’t award her 2022 Woman of the Year.