2025 Billboard Women in Music Event: Celebrating Trailblazers in the Industry
The annual Billboard Women in Music event took place on March 29, 2025, at the YouTube Theater located in Hollywood Park, Inglewood, California. Aimed at honoring influential women across the music spectrum, the event was broadcast live for free via VIZIO TVs and their mobile application.
Host and Awards
This year’s gala was hosted by the talented Laverne Cox, recognizing an impressive roster of honorees. Major awards included:
- Woman of the Year Award: Doechii
- Group of the Year Award: aespa
- Breakthrough Award: Ángela Aguilar
- Icon Award: Erykah Badu
- Songwriter of the Year Award: Gracie Abrams
- Powerhouse Award: GloRilla
- Global Force Award: JENNIE
- Mother of the Year Award: Tina Knowles
- Impact Award: Tyla
- Hitmaker Award: Meghan Trainor
- Rising Star Award: Muni Long
Additionally, five distinguished female executives from leading booking agencies were awarded the title of 2025 Executives of the Year: Jenna Adler, Lucy Dickins, Samantha Kirby Yoh, Cara Lewis, and Marsha Vlasic.
Memorable Moments and Performances
The event was a blend of engaging performances and inspiring speeches, showcasing the immense talent within the music industry. Highlights included:
Megan Moroney
Opening the event, Megan Moroney captivated the audience with her performance of “Am I Okay?” clad in a dazzling silver mini dress. Accepting her Rulebreaker Award presented by Crown Royal Whisky, she humorously reflected on her past rule-following tendencies, noting, “I stole a piece of gum when I was 10 and I still think about it sometimes.”
GloRilla
Presenting her with the Powerhouse Award, Mickey Guyton invoked GloRilla’s hit “TGIF.” In an energetic acceptance speech, GloRilla affirmed her connection to Memphis, exclaiming, “Shoutout to Memphis for making me and raising me. And shoutout to Billboard! Let’s go!”
Muni Long
Muni Long delivered an enthusiastic performance of “Superpowers” upon receiving the Rising Star Award from Julia Michaels, who praised her transition from songwriter to solo artist.
Gracie Abrams
As the Songwriter of the Year, Gracie Abrams performed “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” capturing the audience’s emotion, while expressing gratitude to Taylor Swift for her influence.
Ángela Aguilar
In a poignant moment, Ángela Aguilar dedicated her Breakthrough Award to immigrants, emphasizing the importance of giving voice to those often unheard, and performed a heartfelt rendition of “Cielito Lindo.”
Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor’s acceptance speech for the Hitmaker Award, delivered with humor and sincerity, emphasized the value of mental health and the importance of seeking help.
Tyla
While accepting the Impact Award from Bose, Tyla drew attention to her journey from South Africa to global success, discussing her ambition and future music plans.
Jennie
Receiving the Global Force Award, Jennie recognized the achievements of women around the world, stating, “This award is dedicated to every woman who dares to dream and create.”
Tina Knowles
In a heartfelt moment while accepting the Mother of the Year Award, Tina Knowles expressed gratitude toward her daughters and reflected on her nurturing roles within her family and the industry.
aespa
After receiving the Group of the Year Award, aespa thrilled fans with a performance of “Whiplash,” reinforcing their status as a leading group in today’s music scene.
Erykah Badu
Recognized with the Icon Award, Erykah Badu shared anecdotes from her career, captivating the audience with her unique storytelling style during her acceptance speech.
Doechii
Reflecting on her journey, Doechii expressed gratitude upon receiving the Woman of the Year Award: “I cannot believe it was just two years ago I stood on this stage right here,” emphasizing her growth within the industry.
Conclusion
The 2025 Billboard Women in Music event proved to be an extraordinary celebration of female empowerment and artistry in the music industry. With exciting performances and inspiring speeches, the evening showcased the diverse talent and influence of women who are reshaping the musical landscape.
