The YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California, was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, March 29, as Billboard's Women in Music 2025 event took center stage. Hosted by the charismatic Laverne Cox, the evening celebrated the remarkable achievements and contributions of women across the music industry, their communities, and beyond. The event was accessible to a wide audience, airing for free on VIZIO TVs and through the VIZIO mobile app.

The red carpet was graced by a constellation of stars, industry leaders, and accomplished women, all eager to honor the nominees and enjoy a night dedicated to female empowerment in music. Anticipation was high, with many attendees sharing their excitement about the ceremony and the opportunity to connect with fellow trailblazers.

Among the honorees at this year's prestigious event were a diverse array of talented women, each recognized for their unique impact on the music landscape:

• Doechii: Woman of the Year Award
• aespa: Group of the Year Award
• Ángela Aguilar: Breakthrough Award
• Erykah Badu: Icon Award
• GloRilla: Powerhouse Award
• Gracie Abrams: Songwriter of the Year
• 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
• Tyla: Impact Award presented by Bose
• ANNA: Billboard Italy Woman of the Year
• Charlotte Cardin: Billboard Canada Woman of the Year
• Tina Knowles: Mother of the Year Award

In addition to these celebrated artists, Billboard also recognized five influential female agents as Executives of the Year:

• Jenna Adler
• Lucy Dickins
• Samantha Kirby Yoh
• Cara Lewis
• Marsha Vlasic

The evening was filled with memorable moments, including electrifying performances by honorees aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long, and Tyla. Each artist brought their unique flair to the stage, captivating the audience with their talent and artistry.

Megan Moroney kicked off the performances with an energetic rendition of “Am I Okay?”, donning a dazzling silver-fringed mini dress. Upon accepting her Rulebreaker Award, presented by Tanner Adell, Moroney humorously noted the irony, describing herself as an avid rule follower in everyday life. She recounted a childhood memory of stealing a piece of gum and still feeling guilty about it. She expressed gratitude towards the “so many bad bitches on my team”.

Mickey Guyton presented GloRilla with the Powerhouse Award, quoting the rapper's hit song “TGIF”. GloRilla's acceptance speech included her signature “eugh eugh” ad-lib, delighting the crowd. She gave a shoutout to her hometown, Memphis, and thanked Billboard for the recognition.

Muni Long delivered a mesmerizing performance of “Superpowers,” earning enthusiastic applause. Julia Michaels presented her with the Rising Star Award, acknowledging Long's previous success as a songwriter for Rihanna and Ariana Grande, and praised her for taking risks and forging ahead as a singer.

Gracie Abrams' performance of “I Love You, I’m Sorry” resonated deeply with the audience, with Erykah Badu watching in admiration. Abrams thanked Taylor Swift for her songwriting influence, highlighting the theme of women supporting women.

Ángela Aguilar dedicated her Breakthrough Award to immigrant women, using her platform to raise awareness for those whose voices are often unheard. She performed “Cielito Lindo” accompanied by a band and a children's chorus of immigrants, delivering a powerful message of breaking through barriers.

Meghan Trainor, accepting the Hitmaker Award from Madison Beer, delivered a heartfelt speech about her songwriting process, mentioning her insecurities, therapy, and medication, emphasizing that seeking help is the reason she was able to be there.

Tyla's performance of “Water” had the crowd on their feet, with Becky G mentioning she’d attempt the viral TikTok dance for the song “after a few tequilas”. During her acceptance speech for the Impact Award, Tyla reflected on her global success and teased new music.

Jennie received the Global Force Award, presented by Kali Uchis, and dedicated it to women who “dare to dream and create and shape the world with her vision.”

Tina Knowles, the first-ever Mother of the Year honoree, expressed gratitude to her daughters Beyoncé and Solange, as well as Destiny’s Child members, for their belief in her.

aespa's acceptance of the Group of the Year Award was met with enthusiasm from their fans, who lit up the venue with aespa-branded lightsticks. The group promised more powerful performances in the future and later closed the show with a performance of “Whiplash”.

Erykah Badu received the Music Icon Award from Summer Walker, who revealed that Badu was her doula. Badu shared a humorous anecdote during her acceptance speech and emphasized the importance of not being limited to any one category as an artist.

Doechii, the Woman of the Year, reflected on her journey since winning the Billboard Rising Star Award in 2023, emphasizing the need for inclusion and addressing sexism in the industry. She expressed gratitude for Billboard Women in Music's role in highlighting these issues.

The Billboard Women in Music 2025 event not only celebrated the achievements of individual artists and executives but also fostered a sense of community and empowerment among women in the music industry. The night served as a reminder of the importance of supporting and uplifting female voices, paving the way for future generations of women to make their mark on the world of music.