The 2026 Billboard Women in Music Awards took place at the Hollywood Palladium, hosted by Keke Palmer, who opened the show with “Text Message Unsent” from her upcoming film I Love Boosters and kept the energy going throughout the night. The room, as ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews put it in her acceptance speech, was “filled with positivity and joy and all this estrogen.”
Zara Larsson took the Breakthrough Artist Award, presented by Tyla, who called her “a fun time to be around.” Larsson evidently displayed as much on stage, performing “Midnight Sun” in a sparkly top and skirt set, belting while soaring above the dancers. In her speech, she acknowledged the obvious irony of winning a breakthrough award after more than a decade in the industry. Her explanation for finally breaking through: “I became the most ‘me’ around amazing women.”
Mariah the Scientist was named Rising Star — presented by Coco Jones, who leaned into Mariah’s biology background with a scientific-method framing. Mariah performed “Rainy Days” before Kali Uchis joined her for their collaboration “Is It a Crime.” Her speech was pointed and personal: “To all the women here, I identify with you and all the challenges that come with cultivating your inner life.”
Tate McRae received the Hitmaker award, presented by Victoria Monét, and wasted no time deflating the title. “The word ‘hitmaker’ makes it sound like you wake up every day knowing exactly what you’re doing,” she said. “I can confirm I do not. Most of the time, I’m in a room overthinking a song for eight hours.” She described songwriting as a way of catching up with emotions she did not fully understand at the time — which is, honestly, a better description of the craft than most people offer.
Ella Langley picked up the Powerhouse Award, presented by Lainey Wilson, who said Langley “doesn’t just walk into a room; she kicks the door down.” Langley reflected on country music’s growing reach and what powerhouse means to her: “strength, resilience… there hasn’t been a day I wanted to do anything else.”
Laufey was honoured as Innovator and used her moment to spotlight Icelandic women who inspire her, including Björk. Kehlani won the Impact Award and defined impact simply — showing up for others and staying human in a demanding industry. Thalia was celebrated as Icon, performing a medley of her classics and dedicating the award to dreamers everywhere. Teyana Taylor received the Visionary honour, performed “Bed of Roses,” and spoke about perseverance and the importance of building space for women in music.
The HUNTR/X trio — EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI — were named Women of the Year, celebrated for the K-Pop Demon Hunters project and its breakout track “Golden.” Their speeches centred on identity, empathy, and women’s voices. Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP, took Executive of the Year, presented by Kim Petras, who said Matthews “proves that being a boss and being an advocate go hand in hand.” Matthews used her speech to remind the room: “Without you, there would be no music industry.”
Global Force Awards went to Canadian rock band The Beaches and Filipino girl group BINI, both recognised for their contributions to music in their home countries.
An amazing night by all accounts.
Thoughts?
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
