Billboard has announced its highly anticipated next wave of honorees for Women In Music 2025, including Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Tyla and Muni Long.
This year, the event is making a triumphant return, promising a night of unforgettable performances, powerful tributes and well-deserved recognition for the women shaping the music industry. Scheduled for Saturday (March 29) at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, the star-studded celebration will be hosted by Emmy-nominated actress and advocate Laverne Cox.
The 2025 Women In Music honorees represent an array of talent, spanning multiple genres and backgrounds, but all sharing a commonality: an undeniable influence on the music industry. R&B legend Erykah Badu is this year’s recipient of the Icon Award “for her genre-defying career and cultural impact.” GloRilla will be recognized with the Powerhouse Award “acknowledging her rapid rise in the rap genre and her commanding presence in music.”
R&B star Muni Long will be presented with the Rising Star Award for “her breakout year.” Tyla, the South African hitmaker, will receive the Impact Award for “turbocharging Africa’s global music influence.”
Presenters, performers, and the coveted 2025 Billboard Woman of the Year title will be announced in the coming weeks.
Dana Droppo, Chief Brand Officer at Billboard said in an official press release “The 2025 Billboard Women in Music event celebrates the incredible women who continue to drive innovation, inspire change, and reshape the future of music.”
Hannah Karp, Editorial Director of Billboard, added, “From rising stars to legendary icons, this year’s honorees are redefining what it means to be a trailblazer in the industry. We’re honored to highlight their outstanding achievements and contributions through unforgettable performances, powerful tributes, and an evening that will truly shine a spotlight on their impact.”
She also said, “It’s a privilege to continue Billboard’s tradition of recognizing the women who are pushing the boundaries of music and culture, and we can’t wait to share this incredible night with our global audience.”
In 2007, Reba McEntire was honored with the Billboard’s first Woman of the Year Award because of her success as a recording artist, contributions to the business, and leadership in embracing the changing music business. In each following year, Billboard has honored a female artist with the award. Taylor Swift is the first and only woman to be honored more than once, while Cardi B became the first rapper to receive the accolade in 2020. The most recent winner is Karol G who became the first Latin artist to win this award in 2024.
