SZA Is Named Woman of the Year at Billboard Awards

After her successful SOS album, Billboard named SZA Woman of the Year and honored her at their Women in Music Awards.

SZA was announced as Billboard‘s Woman of the Year in February. While the singer has demonstrated incredible talent since her 2017 album Ctrl, 2022 marked a historic year for her. From winning her first Grammy to releasing a hit album, SZA has more than proved her worth.

At the 2022 Grammys, SZA earned her first Grammy for “Kiss Me More,” alongside Doja Cat. She went on to release her album SOS later that year, to the praise of fans and critics alike. According to a Billboard article, the album is in its tenth week in Billboard‘s top 200 as of March 1. The virality of her track “Kill Bill” further establishes SZA’s abilities as a songwriter.

“The release of her latest album, SOS, has solidified her as a distinct force in contemporary R&B, and catapulted her into superstardom,” writes Billboard‘s senior editor Hannah Karp.

Woman of the Year @sza backstage at #BBWomenInMusic ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Cyy4zTdRL4

— billboard (@billboard) March 2, 2023

However, this is not SZA’s first brush with Billboard fame. Her album Ctrl had the longest run on Billboard‘s top 200 list for any Black female musician’s debut. She also earned a Rulebreaker award at Billboard‘s 2019 Women in Music Awards.

Fans savored SZA’s win even more, feeling that her recognition is long-awaited. Ctrl quickly garnered the singer a cult following, and the album itself went platinum only a year after its release.

SOS has gained even more popularity in a short period of time. Some argue that her success has been overlooked for far too long, making her Billboard award even more significant.

The award was presented to her by fellow musician Coi Leray, which Billboard posted on their official Instagram.

SZA remained down to earth and chose not to prepare a speech. Instead, she freestyled her words in an emotional and humble speech. She gave kudos to the other female artists attending the ceremony, stating “there’s so many women in this room right now that I respect so deeply.” She also mentioned Lana Del Rey, who received a Visionary Award, and Latto, who performed her hit song “Lottery.”

The singer went on to describe her mission as an artist. She expressed that she wants her life “to be more than music” and wants to serve others through her art.

Although she has opened up about having anxiety about some opportunities, she also hopes to be more open and say “yes to everything that’s scary.” She concludes her speech by thanking the audience, telling them “thank y’all for saying yes to me.”

Billboard‘s Women in Music Awards ceremony streamed on March 1, but fans can still celebrate SZA by watching the official livestream which remains on YouTube.