Women In Music Awards

Michelle Jubelirer accepts the Executive of the Year award at Billboard Women In Music 2024.

Michelle Jubelirer:
I would have rethought my shoe choice had I known how tall Katy [Perry] was going to be tonight. Thank you, Katy. You exemplify what it means to be a strong woman in music, whether through your singular artistry or your business savvy — your positive influence resonates through so many facets of our business. It’s been such an absolute honor to work with you for more than a decade. I will always be there for you as you have always been there for me.

I’m sure there were more than a few internal discussions at Billboard in light of my recent career change, so I’m all the more appreciative of your courage and presenting me with this award. Thank you, Hannah and everyone at Billboard for this recognition. I’m thrilled to be sharing this night with so many fantastic women, and I want to give a special shout-out to Ice Spice and Young Miko, two artists I am proud to have signed and work closely with and whose futures are limitless. I also want to introduce you to someone very special — she took me to my first concerts, introduced me to the power of music. She taught me to believe in myself and never be intimidated by anyone. She worked seven days a week to raise me alone, to be the person standing before you tonight. She’s the most important woman in my life, my mom.

Every Friday, I go on a long hike with an artist, manager or colleague. Sometimes we discuss business, but most often we talk about life, one human being to another. We agree to be vulnerable. So tonight, I’m going to treat my few minutes up here as I would one of those hikes. No, I’m not going to take off my makeup and change into Hokas or make Katy take off her shoes. Although I’m sure she’d like to, but I’m going to get real.

Women, did these comments sound familiar? “You’re too emotional.” “You don’t have to be so direct when you talk.” We all know that’s code for “Stop a b—h.” “You should smile more.” That’s one of my personal favorites. We’ve all heard these glib phrases and countless others throughout our careers.

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Katy Perry presents the Executive Of The Year to Michelle Jubelirer at Billboard’s Women In Music 2024.

Katy Perry:
Hi, guys! I walked slowly because I’m walking on stilts, you know, patriarchy. I am so grateful to be here today to celebrate my dear friend and iced latte hiking bud, Michelle Jubelirer. This is a woman who has accomplished so much in the music industry. After starting her career in mergers and acquisition law, she transitioned to the music industry and that’s where she clearly found her groove even with all those vinyl lead times. Am I right? Yes. She spent the past decade at Capitol Music Group serving as CEO and Chair for her last two years there. This made her the very first woman to assume that role in the company’s 80-year history.

During her tenure, the label grew its market share 25% year on year and in just the last year Capitol’s chart wins include hits for Doechii, Troye Sivan, Ice Spice, Niall Horan. But Michelle’s impact extends beyond business metrics. She’s empowered women as well as aligned with men who makes space for the divine feminine. Look, I feel like under this roof, I can safely say it’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be living in it. Her mind is connected to her heart and she has been a beacon for artists nurturing their talents and supporting their personal growth. She heard me, she saw me, created space for me, even supported me through my journey of motherhood. She was there for me not only as an artist, but as an executive on those iced latte hikes. We talked about artists development for the kids signed to my own very record label, Unsub. She always had time for me whatever it was about, but I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. Well, she has a deeply empathetic side, she is still the woman who has a nameplate on her desk that says f–k off AKA do not mistake our kindness for weakness. Queen, boss, punk rocker, this is Michelle Jubelirer. In celebrating Michelle today, we’re not just applauding her professional achievements, but also her profound ability to inspire, uplift and transform the lives around her. I’m incredibly proud to know her and excited to see her journey continue to unfold. Let’s hear it for this year’s Billboard Woman in Music Executive of the Year, Michelle Jubelirer.

Watch the full video above!