The Billboard Women in Music Awards 2025, held on March 29th, was more than just a ceremony, it was a cultural moment honoring the women redefining the music industry. Hosted at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, the evening was an empowering celebration of Black excellence, focusing on women whose impact resonates across the global music scene.
Laverne Cox took the stage as host for the night, where the most influential women in music were celebrated across various categories. From established icons to emerging talents, the event highlighted their achievements and contributions to the industry.
Laverne Cox stuns during her portrait session at 2025 Billboard Women in Music as the host
The Billboard Women in Music 2025 awards honored exceptional women with top accolades, such as the Woman of the Year Award, Group of the Year Award, and Breakthrough Award. Additionally, international excellence was recognized with the Billboard Italy Woman of the Year Award and the Billboard Canada Woman of the Year Award. Industry game-changers were celebrated with the Icon Award, Powerhouse Award, and Songwriter of the Year Award, while emerging stars were recognized with the Rising Star Award, presented by Honda Stage.
US singer and actress Becky G arrives for the 2025 Billboard Women in Music, honoring US rapper and singer Doechii as Billboard Woman of the Year, in the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California, on March 29, 2025. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP)US rapper and singer Doechii arrives for the Billboard Women in Music, honoring US rapper and singer Doechii as Billboard Woman of the Year, at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California, on March 29, 2025. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP)US singer and songwriter Erykah Badu arrives for the Billboard Women in Music event, honoring US rapper and singer Doechii as Billboard Woman of the Year at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California, on March 29, 2025. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP)
The night also featured the Mother of the Year Award and Impact Award, presented by Bose, highlighting individuals whose influence transcends music.
The evening also brought attention to those who continue to push boundaries and redefine the music landscape, with awards like the Global Force Award, Rulebreaker Award (presented by Crown Royal Whisky), and Hitmaker Award.
American Rapper GloRilla Receives Powerhouse AwardTyla and Becky G backstage with her Impact Award Erykah Badu Accepts the IconAward at 2025 Billboard Women In Music
Highlights of the Night’s Honorees
It was a night of unforgettable moments, but the heart of the celebration belonged to the women recognized for their brilliance, creativity, and undeniable impact on the global music landscape. These standout honorees lit up the stage with their presence and power, each representing a unique voice shaping the future of the industry:
Woman of the Year – Doechii Bold, fearless, and genre-bending, Doechii took home the top honor for her groundbreaking presence and unapologetic artistry.
Group of the Year – Aespa The South Korean girl group continues to redefine global pop with their futuristic sound and dynamic performances.
Breakthrough Award – Ángela Aguilar A rising star with deep roots in Latin heritage, Ángela Aguilar was celebrated for her fresh voice and cultural influence.
Billboard Italy Woman of the Year – ANNA One of Italy’s brightest young rap talents, ANNA, was honored for her trailblazing presence in European music.
Billboard Canada Woman of the Year – Charlotte Cardin The Canadian singer-songwriter was recognized for her emotive storytelling and growing international acclaim.
Icon Award – Erykah Badu A true legend, Erykah Badu was honored for her enduring influence, artistic innovation, and spiritual depth.
Powerhouse Award – GloRilla With her commanding presence and authentic voice, GloRilla was celebrated as one of the most exciting names in hip-hop today.
Songwriter of the Year – Gracie Abrams Known for her introspective lyrics and haunting melodies, Gracie was awarded for her exceptional songwriting talent.
Global Force Award – JENNIE As a global ambassador for music and fashion, BLACKPINK’s JENNIE was honored for her boundary-breaking reach.
Rulebreaker Award – Megan Moroney(Presented by Crown Royal Whisky) Unafraid to defy norms, Megan Moroney was recognized for carving her lane and rewriting the rules in country music.
Hitmaker Award – Meghan Trainor A pop powerhouse, Meghan Trainor was honored for her string of chart-topping hits and infectious energy.
Rising Star Award – Muni Long(Presented by Honda Stage) With a voice that’s both fresh and unforgettable, Muni Long was celebrated for her swift rise and lyrical brilliance.
Mother of the Year – Tina Knowles Honored not just for motherhood but for nurturing generations of talent—from Beyoncé and Solange to Destiny’s Child—Tina Knowles received a deeply moving tribute.
Erykah Badu performing at 2025 Billboard Women In Music
Each honoree is an absolute reminder of the power of women in music to inspire, uplift, and lead – their stories, talents, and voices made the 2025 edition of Billboard Women in Music an unforgettable celebration through the industry.
This spectacular night also featured distinctive performances from Aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long, and Tyla, along with meaningful speeches, and showcased outstanding red carpet fashion, with attendees like Tyla wearing striking outfits that captured media attention.
The 2025 ceremony particularly highlighted how Black Women continue to shape and elevate the music industry, spanning multiple generations and genres. From Doechii’s groundbreaking achievements to Erykah Badu’s legacy and Tina Knowles’s cultural impact, the event celebrated the various contributions of Black women to the music industry.
K-pop sensation group Aespa performing at 2025 Billboard Women In Music
Tyla Receives Impact Award, Celebrates Legacy and Sisterhood
South African global sensation Tyla, 23, was honored with the Impact Award, a recognition that celebrates artists whose influence reaches far beyond the stage.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Tyla reflected on the divine timing of her career journey. “When my career took off, I realized that God had His plans,” she shared, offering gratitude to those who have shaped her growth—both personally and professionally.
She also took a moment to shine a light on the other remarkable women honored that evening, praising their talent and the power of recognition. “It’s an honor to stand beside such inspiring women,” Tyla said, beaming with pride as she embraced the beauty of shared success.
Looking ahead, Tyla spoke passionately about the legacy she hopes to build. For her, impact means connection—reaching people who see themselves in her journey, music, and story. It’s about reminding them that dreams are not out of reach.
Tyla also paid tribute to her inspirations, mentioning artists like Rihanna, whose individuality and enduring mark on music continue to influence her. “I grew up on their music,”she said. “It’s amazing to have witnessed their impact—and to now be inspired by it every day.”
She closed her speech with deep appreciation, thanking her supporters and team and expressing how profoundly moved she was to receive the honor. “This means the world to me.”
She said. “Thank you for believing in me.”
Tina Knowles Receives Mother of the Year Award
In a touching acceptance speech for the Mother of the Year Award, Tina Knowles expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who have been instrumental in her journey. She thanked her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, as well as her niece Angie Beyincé, for their unwavering support.
Tina also honored the members of Destiny’s Child, including Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett, saying, “I got to mother you all in some ways, and you all believed in me.”
She took a moment to acknowledge her ex-husband Mathew Knowles, thanking him for “always fighting for me.”
Tina Knowles radiates poise and power during the portrait session at 2025 Billboard Women in Music
Doechii Honored as Woman of the Year – A Full Circle Moment in Fab Fashion
Introduced by longtime collaborators Jayda Love and DJ Miss Milan, Doechii stepped onto the stage to accept her Woman of the Year award — a moment she described as “full circle.” With a radiant smile, the genre-blending star looked back on her journey:
“I cannot believe it was just two years ago I stood on this stage and accepted the Rising Star Award. I had literally performed so hard I danced my shoes off and had to hop up to the mic.”
That fearless energy, she explained, is exactly how she approaches her artistry — bold, intentional, and always fabulous. Now a Grammy winner and cultural force, Doechii used her platform to spotlight the deeper challenges still facing women in music.
Grammy-winning artist Doechii Accepts Woman of the year at 2025 Billboard Women In Music
“Even nearly two decades later, a lack of inclusion and sexism are still issues in this industry. And that’s a problem. Which is why I’m grateful we have spaces like this to celebrate women in music.”
Her words were both a celebration and a call to action, a reminder that the path forward requires more voices, more visibility, and more women leading the charge.
As the lights dimmed on a night filled with unforgettable speeches, bold performances, and powerful moments of recognition, one thing was crystal clear — the future of music is female, fierce, and unapologetically here to stay. From rising stars to legendary icons, this year’s honorees reminded us that when women lead, the world listens.
