Billboard's Women in Music 2025: Celebrating the Artists Who Are Reshaping the Industry
- Kasey Cahen
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Under the golden spotlight of the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, the Billboard Women in Music 2025 event shimmered with more than just star power—it pulsed with the unapologetic energy of women changing the music industry. The show was a celebration of trailblazers, boundary-breakers, and lyrical warriors, confirming yet again why Los Angeles remains the heartbeat of entertainment and culture.
There’s no better representation of LA Living than this event. It’s bold. It’s glamorous. And it’s built on passion, talent, and a desire to amplify voices that matter. From A-listers in the crowd to rising stars on stage, the Billboard Women in Music event delivered an unforgettable evening that blended raw emotion with polished artistry.
Hosted by Emmy-nominated actress and advocate Laverne Cox, the night kicked off with a moving reminder of music’s emotional power. “Music can be a catalyst for contemplation, protest, mourning, resurrection, and unspeakable joy,” she said. Her words set the tone for what would become an extraordinary celebration of music’s most impactful women.
Doechii Reigns as Woman of the Year
The night's headline belonged to Doechii, who was crowned Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year. In an industry that’s still navigating systemic inequities, her speech wasn’t just timely—it was revolutionary. “I’m not doing this alone,” she reminded the audience. “There are brilliant, savvy women on my personal and label teams standing alongside me.” As a music executive, I know how true that is. Success in this business is never a solo act.
From Icons to Rulebreakers
Each award presented throughout the night told a story. Megan Moroney, with her signature “Emo Cowgirl” vibe, accepted the Rulebreaker Award and gave a soul-shaking performance of “Am I Okay.” Meghan Trainor, known for her bold pop anthems and behind-the-scenes songwriting for industry giants, accepted the Hitmaker Award with refreshing vulnerability about music as a means to battle insecurity.
Tyla, winner of the Impact Award, stunned the audience with “Push to Start” and expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans—the “Tygers”—for allowing her to grow into every version of herself as both artist and woman.
Gracie Abrams reminded everyone why songwriting is often the most courageous act in music. After a deeply moving performance of her viral hit, “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” she accepted the Songwriter of the Year Award. Her touching tribute to Taylor Swift was a nod to mentorship in a world that too often pits women against one another.
Legends Among Us
In a moment that felt especially sacred, Summer Walker presented the Icon Award to her mentor and doula, Erykah Badu. Tina Knowles, matriarch of one of music’s most influential families, was honored as Mother of the Year and gave a heartfelt speech about the gift of guiding her daughters’ creative paths.
And let’s not forget JENNIE of BLACKPINK, who took home the Global Force Award, solidifying her impact far beyond K-pop into global music and fashion influence.
A Stage That Matches the Moment
The event’s venue, the YouTube Theater, is quickly becoming one of LA’s most sought-after destinations for live events. Nestled beneath the same canopy as SoFi Stadium, this 6,000-seat architectural marvel is where cutting-edge design meets intimate energy. It’s no coincidence that Billboard named it West Coast Theater or Club of the Year. It perfectly encapsulates modern LA: sleek, ambitious, and built for impact.
A Legacy of Billboard Excellence
Billboard has long been the compass of the music industry. Since its founding in 1894, it’s gone from print magazine to global media force. Its Women in Music series is more than an award show—it’s a movement. Past Women of the Year have included SZA, Cardi B, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga. This year, the tradition continued, proving that Billboard doesn’t just report the culture—it shapes it.
Why This Is LA Living
This event wasn’t just about awards. It was about elevation. About giving the mic—and the moment—to the women driving the future of music. That is the essence of LA Living. It’s luxury with depth, glamour with grit, and dreams grounded in hustle. Whether you were in a front-row seat at the YouTube Theater or streaming the event via VIZIO’s WatchFree+ platform, this year’s Billboard Women in Music celebration reminded us that Los Angeles is more than a city. It’s a stage for the extraordinary.
And to every artist who stepped into their spotlight that night—thank you for redefining what it means to be powerful and thank you for keeping LA the city where stars don’t just rise. They shine.
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