Women In Music Awards

31 Mar 2025

Victoria Monét Presents Gracie Abrams with Songwriter of the Year | Billboard Women In Music 2025

Victoria Monét presents Gracie Abrams with the Songwriter of the Year at Billboard Women In Music 2025. 

Victoria Monét:
Hi everybody. It is so nice to be back here with all of you at Billboard Women in Music to present the songwriter of the year, Gracie Abrams. With just two albums under her belt, Gracie has already been nominated for two Grammys. Her sophomore album, The Secret of Us, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. In the U.S., the deluxe edition includes a single, “That’s So True,” which rose to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit No. 1 on the Pop Airplay chart earlier this month. Her success is grounded in genuine respect for the craft of songwriting and a desire to keep evolving. Gracie, who counts Joni Mitchell as one of her influences, has true reverence for language. She mentioned wanting to spend much of the year reading to expand her vocabulary and deepen her skills as a songwriter. To me, songs are the heartbeat of the music industry, and it is Gracie’s type of hunger and dedication to the growth that will keep the heartbeat strong. Not only is she a prolific songwriter, she is a talented performer. After opening for previous Billboard honorees Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift, Gracie led her own sold-out tour in the U.S. At every stop, audiences sang along for the entire show, turning the concert into a shared experience of love, loss, empowerment and celebration. At its core, music is about connection. And Gracie, you excel at that. 

31 Mar 2025

Meghan Trainor Accepts the Hitmaker Award | Billboard Women In Music 2025

Meghan Trainor accepts the Hitmaker award at Billboard Women In Music 2025.

Meghan Trainor:

Thank you. Hi! Oh, I’m gonna throw up. Thank you, Madison Beer—I love you so much. That was so good. You shouldn’t be nervous; you’re perfect. Thank you so much, Billboard, for this incredible honor. I have been so scared all week. I can’t believe I’ve gotten to do my dream job for over ten years now. Writing songs is my main source of serotonin (besides my kids, Riley and Barry, and my husband, Daryl—oh, you look good tonight). My whole family is here. Over there—hi! My mom even bought tickets for this. She’s so cute; she’s in the front. Hitmaker is a crazy title. I just wanted to write songs and music that make people feel happy, dance, and hopefully love themselves a little bit more. Everyone asks me, “How are you so positive? How do you do so much and smile all the time?” The truth is, I write these songs for myself because I am so insecure. I have a lot of therapy, I’m on medicine—thank you—and I love my medicine. I love my therapist so much. She’s probably watching. Asking for help is the only reason I’m here, along with my incredible family. My mom and dad are here, and so is my amazing team. Shoutout to Sally, who’s being honored tonight. And Maggie and Tommy (he’s a guy).

Keep watching for more!

31 Mar 2025

Madison Beer Presents Meghan Trainor With the Hitmaker Award | Billboard Women In Music 2025

Madison Beer presents Meghan Trainor with the Hitmaker Award at Billboard Women In Music 2025.

Madison Beer:
Hi. Hello. Oh my God. Hi. Okay. Ten years ago, tonight’s hitmaker started her career with a song that wasn’t just a hit. It was a cultural moment. “All About That Bass” spent eight weeks at No. 1. Yes. At No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and launched Meghan Trainor into pop stardom. From the very start, she caught our attention with her signature sound. I love you too! Oh! Meghan’s achievements are undeniable. She has 14 career Hot 100 hits, including four top tens and a debut album that went straight to No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Come on, make some noise. Yes! Meghan is not just a hitmaker, she’s a powerhouse songwriter who has penned songs for some of the biggest names in music throughout the years. That’s actually how we met. We met in a studio session a few years ago where we were supposed to be working on music, but instead we spent the entire day talking and getting to know each other. She immediately made me feel so understood, cared for and supported just within hours of meeting her. And since then, her unwavering support for me has meant the world. I love you, Meghan. From the day that I met her, she captivated my heart not only as an artist who I’d love for years, but as a new friend. Meghan is the definition of a multi-hyphenate who is beloved for her talent, authenticity, and beautiful heart. Whether she’s performing a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden or using her platform to spread love and acceptance, Meghan brings so much joy to people all over the world simply by being herself: an artist, songwriter, producer, a mother, a wife, and a friend. 

31 Mar 2025

Muni Long Accepts the Rising Star Award | Billboard Women In Music 2025

Muni Long accepts the Rising Star Award at Billboard’s Women In Music 2025.

Muni Long:
Hello, everyone. Good evening. Trying to be cool knowing I can’t see that thing way back there. I stand before you tonight in awe of the incredible journey that has brought me to this moment. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the artistry that courses through my veins. But as I stand here, I know this moment is not just about me. It’s about the shoulders I stand on, the culture that shaped me and the people who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. First of all, I want to acknowledge Black women. Yes. The bedrock of not only the music industry, but the very heart of the culture itself. Black women have always been the architects of innovation, resilience and power. From the soulful tones of Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin to the boldness of Beyonce and Ms. Lauryn Hill, we have seen our brilliance shape the world in ways that transcend music and art. To the artists before me, those who dared to dream, to break barriers, to challenge the status quo, the Tina Turners, The Sister Rosetta Tharpes, and Janet Jacksons, Mariah Careys and Whitney Houstons. Their influence echoes through every note I sing. Thank you to the aunties with four rings on every finger and a mouth full of slugs. The unpaved, unincorporated Florida streets, the communities that birthed the soul of modern music, the hood which is the genesis of pop culture. 

Watch the rest of the video above!

31 Mar 2025

Julia Michaels Presents Muni Long With the Rising Star Award | Billboard Women In Music 2025

Julia Michaels presents Muni Long with the Rising Star Award presented by Honda at Billboard Women In Music 2025.

Julia Michaels:
Hello! Billboard Women in Music, I had so much fun shooting that video. And now I am so happy to be here with all of you. Now, you might be wondering, why is a Rising Star Award going to somebody who has been writing top hits for over a decade for the likes of Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande? It’s because the Rising Star Award celebrates things that are new and that can include reinvention, taking risks and finding different ways for talents to rise to the surface. In the last couple of years, as Muni Long has transitioned from songwriter to recording artist, we are literally hearing her voice in an entirely new way. And as someone who knows what it’s like to travel that journey, take it from me, it can be very scary. But Muni did not let fear stop her. She followed her instincts and forged ahead, and that is exactly why Billboard Women in Music is honoring her tonight. Yes. In just the last couple of years, Muni has racked up three career Hot 100 hits, including the two top 20 hits, “Hrs & Hrs” and “Made For Me.” She’s landed ten career titles on the Hot R&B Songs chart, with five in 2024 alone. “Made for Me” reached No. 2 and dominated the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for seven weeks straight. And the song just earned Muni her second Grammy Award for best R&B performance. She’s also using her voice to help others rise, even as she climbs the charts. She fights for fair pay and recognition for songwriters, taking her mission all the way to Washington, D.C. Let’s turn our gaze to a talent that’s burning brighter than ever. 

31 Mar 2025

Victoria Monét Preps for Billboard Women in Music 2025 in ‘Red Carpet Radiance’ | Billboard Women in Music 2025

This is partner content.

Victoria Monét gives fans a glimpse at the making of her look for Billboard Women in Music 2025 with some help from San de Janeiro. See below for a list of products used during filming.

Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist

Drew Afaulo:

Hello everyone. I’m here with the beautiful, stunning, gorgeous Victoria Monét. How are you feeling tonight? 

Victoria Monét:

Great. How are you?

Drew Afaulo:

Oh, I’m better now that you’re here! You look stunning. You look fab. Can we get your secret? What are you wearing that’s making your skin look and smell this incredible?

Victoria Monét:

You want Victoria’s secret? No, but I really am obsessed with Brazilian Bum Bum Cream by Sol de Janeiro. So that goes on first, top it off with Cheirosa 62 mist, and you’re smelling good all night, babe. 

Drew Afaulo:

Also I match it. I know the yellow, yeah, look at me. Oh my god. It’s like we planned it, we did it, but it’s like we did okay, I’m gonna ask you some fun questions. Okay, first, I’m gonna get you a flower. Thank you. Since we talked about giving flowers, isn’t that so gorge, 

Victoria Monét:

I haven’t gotten flowers in a while. 

Drew Afaulo:

Oh, my God. Oh my god, anything for you. But I do want to give you your flowers, obviously, for being so talented and such a breakthrough artist, like you paved a completely new path. I think it’s fantastic. So I would like to know who do you give your flowers to for getting you where you are now?

Victoria Monét:

Um, I gotta say my mom, like she’s been ride or die since literally day one, or maybe like pre day one, technically. So like, shout-out to you, mom. I love you so much. Your support, your love, your encouragement, your FaceTimes. Really enjoy them, even though sometimes I always can’t answer. But I do love you.

Watch the full interview above!

31 Mar 2025

Tanner Adell Raises A Glass of Crown Royal to Celebrate Women In Music | Billboard Women In Music 2025

Tanner Adell raises a glass of Crown Royal, the official Whiskey sponsor of Billboard’s Women In Music 2025 to celebrating all the women in the music industry.

Tanner Adell
We have so many amazing and talented women in the building, and I am so proud to be one of them. I want to thank billboard and tonight’s official whiskey sponsor, Crown Royal, a brand that has supported me in my music. So this is very special to me. Tonight, we raise a glass to celebrate all women in music. Cheers.

26 Mar 2025

Here Are All the 2025 Billboard Women in Music Performers, Presenters & Honorees

We’re just days away from Billboard’s 2025 Women in Music event, which is set to take place Saturday, March 29, at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California. Hosted by Laverne Cox, the event will honor influential women in music, spanning artists and industry leaders, with performances, awards and tributes. 

Honorees Aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long and Tyla are also set to perform at the event.

Trending on Billboard

Tina Knowles is set to receive the Mother of the Year Award, which is entirely fitting. She’s the mother of not one, but two past Women in Music honorees. Beyoncé was Woman of the Year for 2009. Solange Knowles won the Impact Award in 2017.

The ranks of presenters at this year’s show include several women who were honorees at past Women in Music events. As part of Fifth Harmony, Lauren Jauregui won Group of the Year in 2015. Summer Walker took the Chart Topper Award in 2022. Becky G won the Impact Award in 2023. Victoria Monét won the Rising Star Award at last year’s event.

Billboard’s global partners have expanded Women in Music with new events launched around the world. ANNA, named Billboard Italy Woman of the Year at its inaugural ceremony, and Charlotte Cardin, honored as the Billboard Canada Woman of the Year, will be celebrated as Global Women of the Year.

VIZIO WatchFree+ is the exclusive home to the Billboard Women in Music 2025 live channel and on-demand collection available now through April 5, with the live show airing free on March 29 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on VIZIO TVs and in the VIZIO mobile app. The channel and on-demand collection features in-depth interviews, in-studio sessions with artists, episodic series and more. 

VIZIO TV owners can watch Billboard Women in Music 2025 and the live event by opening the WatchFree+ app on their TV. For those who do not have a VIZIO TV, anyone can download the free VIZIO mobile app to their mobile device, click on the WatchFree+ button in the bottom row menu, and tune in to the Billboard Women in Music 2025 channel.

Jazzy will serve as red carpet correspondent, while backstage correspondent Drew Afualo will create behind-the-scenes content throughout the show. Girls Make Beats will host a special DJ performance during the red carpet featuring DJ Princess SC and DJ Sparkle. The red carpet will also feature appearances from Ari Lennox, Ashe, Ava Max, Bella Poarch, Heidi Montag, JoJo Siwa, Kandi Burruss, Keyshia Cole, Loren Gray, Madison Bailey, Queen Naija, Sophia Culpo, Tinashe, Victoria Justice and more.

Join us at Billboard Women in Music 2025 – get your tickets now! Get Tickets → HERE

Here’s the complete list of performers, presenters and honorees at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event.

Honorees

Doechii, 2025 Woman of the Year Award

aespa, Group of the Year Award

Ángela Aguilar, Breakthrough Award 

ANNA, Billboard Italy Woman of the Year

Charlotte Cardin, Billboard Canada Woman of the Year

Erykah Badu, Icon Award 

GloRilla, Powerhouse Award 

Gracie Abrams, Songwriter of the Year Award 

JENNIE, Global Force Award 

Megan Moroney, Rulebreaker Award presented by Crown Royal Whisky

Meghan Trainor, Hitmaker Award 

Muni Long, Rising Star Award presented by Honda Stage 

Tina Knowles, Mother of the Year Award 

Tyla, Impact Award presented by Bose 

Performers

Aespa

Ángela Aguilar

Erykah Badu

Gracie Abrams

Megan Moroney

Muni Long

Tyla

Presenters

Becky G

Kali Uchis

Madison Beer

Julia Michaels

Lauren Jauregui

Mickey Guyton

Suki Waterhouse

Summer Walker

Tanner Adell

Victoria Monét

Zara Larsson

28 Mar 2024

Tracee Ellis Ross on Experiencing Disappointment, Showing Up for Yourself & More | Billboard Women In Music 2024

Tracee Ellis Ross reveals the advice she would give her younger self. She opens up about experiencing disappointment, the importance of showing up for yourself and more backstage at Billboard Women in Music 2024.

Tracee Ellis Ross:
What would my advice to my younger self be? Not everything is going to happen the way that you think it’s supposed to happen. And there might be some disappointment — like, a lot. But it doesn’t mean you’re not on course and doing the right things and showing up in your life.

Watch the full video above!

27 Mar 2024

Luísa Sonza Reveals How She Got Demi Lovato on ‘Penhasco2’ & More | Billboard Women In Music 2024

Luísa Sonza opened up about getting Demi Lovato on her track “Penhasco2,” how she writes her songs and more backstage at Billboard Women in Music 2024.

Luísa Sonza:
I’m Luísa Sonza, and I’m gonna tell you guys like three things about my music that you guys don’t know.

First, I was supposed to do “Penhasco2” alone, but one day, Roy, my producer, called me and said, “Send me some artists that you would like to do a song together.” I send some of my favorite artists and one of them was, like, Demi Lovato. We sent that song that I made, like, one year ago that calls “Penhasco2.” I was sure that she’s gonna like it and she will want to do it with me, I think so. He sent to Demi and Demi accept and it was amazing. And one more thing, Demi: She, like, obviously sings in English, but she wanted to learn Portuguese and sing in Portuguese. So that’s why Demi is amazing, you know, not just because of that. She’s amazing.

Second thing: I think my favorite place to perform is Sao Paulo — it’s not my hometown, but I live there. And I don’t know, I feel like home, you know, so I love to perform there.

How I wrote my songs with my producers: I start writing whatever passes my mind like, if I think some phrase, or I live some things I start to write. Most people don’t know about it. That’s why, like, when I say like, “Oh my god, I did my last album in three months,” no, I just produced my album in, like, in three months, but I am always writing and people don’t know about that.

I almost died talking in English. I don’t even know how I say this in Portuguese. Crazy s–t, guys.

Watch the full video above!