The 2025 Billboard Women in Music awards, held Saturday at the Kia Forum, brought together groundbreaking artists, songwriters, and industry leaders for a night of celebration and empowerment. The annual event, which spotlights women shaping the global music landscape, honored rap sensation Doechii as Woman of the Year, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams as Songwriter of the Year, and BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim and South African breakout star Tyla among its distinguished awardees.
Doechii, whose meteoric rise has redefined hip-hop’s boundaries, accepted the top honor with a heartfelt speech emphasizing resilience. “This award isn’t just mine—it’s for every woman who’s been told her voice is too loud or her vision too bold,” she declared, referencing her chart-topping 2024 album Venom.
Gracie Abrams, celebrated for her deeply personal lyricism, dedicated her Songwriter of the Year award to “the women who turn vulnerability into art.” Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim received the Global Force Award, recognizing her impact as a solo artist and K-pop pioneer. “Breaking barriers is never easy, but it’s worth it,” she said, hinting at upcoming solo projects. Tyla, the amapiano-pop phenomenon, took home the Rising Star Award, electrifying the crowd with a performance of her viral hit “Water (2025 Remix).”
The ceremony drew a mix of music royalty and Hollywood icons. Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and a fashion mogul, presented an award, praising the honorees for “carrying the torch of creativity and sisterhood.” Actress and singer Suki Waterhouse, accompanied by partner Robert Pattinson, turned heads on the red carpet in a shimmering silver gown. Waterhouse, who recently debuted her indie-pop album Meteors, shared with Billboard her excitement to “celebrate women who dare to wear multiple hats in this industry.”
While the evening focused on awards, it also featured show-stopping performances. Doechii opened the night with a medley of her hits, backed by an all-female dance crew, while Abrams delivered an intimate piano rendition of her ballad “Risk.” A highlight came from a surprise collaboration between Tyla and Jennie Kim, blending Afrobeat and K-pop in a vibrant tribute to global music unity.
Billboard editor-in-chief Hannah Karp emphasized the event’s mission, stating, “This year’s honorees reflect the diversity and fearlessness driving music forward. They’re not just making hits—they’re making history.”
The red carpet showcased bold statements, from Doechii’s neon-punk ensemble to Jennie’s sleek, tailored suit. Attendees echoed the night’s theme, “Unapologetic,” discussing topics like AI’s role in music and the fight for equitable streaming royalties.
As the ceremony closed, the message was clear: women continue to dominate and redefine every corner of the industry. With record-breaking tours, genre-fusing innovations, and advocacy for inclusivity, the 2025 honorees are poised to inspire the next generation of music trailblazers.
