Billboard Women in Music Honors Industry’s Biggest Stars Right Now

The Billboard Women in Music celebration was on Saturday, March 29, at YouTube Theater in Hollywood Park.

The Billboard Women in Music event honored the biggest female stars in the music industry right now, recognizing artists, songwriters, agents, and more.

Hosted by Laverne Cox, the ceremony gave out various awards to women who have broken barriers and made names for themselves within the industry. Award recipients included Doechii for Woman of the Year, aespa for Group of the Year, Ángela Aguilar for the Breakthrough Award, Charlotte Cardin for Billboard Canada Woman of the Year, ANNA for Billboard Italy Woman of the Year, GloRilla for the Powerhouse Award, Erykah Badu for the Icon Award, Gracie Abrams for Songwriter of the Year, JENNIE for the Global Force Award, Megan Moroney for the Rulebreaker Award, Muni Long for the Rising Star Award, Meghan Trainor for the Hitmaker Award, Tina Knowles for Mother of the Year, and Tyla for the Impact Award.

Five agents from the industry’s biggest booking agencies were also honored for their incredible dedication and contributions to music. The Executives of the Year were Lucy Dickins, Cara Lewis, Samantha Kirby Yoh, Jenna Adler, and Marsha Vlasic.

Moroney kicked the celebration off with a performance of her hit song, “Am I Okay?” She then accepted her Rulebreaker Award, emphasizing how in her everyday life, she’s actually more of a rule-follower.

Abrams gave a heartfelt performance of “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” before receiving the Songwriter of the Year Award. In her acceptance speech, she gave a shoutout to a fellow songwriter, Taylor Swift, and thanked her for raising her through songwriting. Abrams was one of the opening acts that featured during Swift’s “Eras Tour.”

While accepting the Hitmaker Award, Meghan Trainor opened up in a raw, personal acceptance speech.

“I write these songs for myself because I’m insecure, and I go to therapy a lot,” Trainor stated. “Asking for help is the only reason I’m here.”

Tyla took the stage to perform “Push 2 Start,” bringing the crowd to their feet to sing along. As she accepted the Impact Award, she took a step back to talk about how unexpected the quick growth of her career was.

“I left my country with big dreams, and I thought I had more time to figure things out,” Tyla stated. “But when my career took off, I realized that God has His own plans.”

JENNIE gave a shoutout to all the women out there who are fighting to have their voices heard in the music industry, recognizing the power of the women sitting in the audience.

“I’m inspired by all the women in this room and around the globe who continue to break barriers and make their mark on the world stage,” JENNIE stated. “This award is dedicated to every woman who dares to dream and create and shape the world with her vision.”

Doechii accepted the biggest award of the night, the Woman of the Year. In her speech, she took time to reflect on how fast her career has taken off, and how grateful she is for the growth she’s accomplished in such a short time.

“I cannot believe it was just two years ago I stood on this stage right here and accepted the Billboard Rising Star Award. I had literally performed so hard I danced my shoes off and had to hop up to the mic,” Doechii stated. “And here I am. That moment reflects how I approach my career — always go full out, always go hard and always be fab.”

Group of the Year winner aespa closed out the ceremony with a performance of “Whiplash,” bringing an energetic close to an inspiring event.

A full list of the night’s honorees, presenters, and performers can be found here.