The Billboard Women in Music 2025 event radiated with an atmosphere of love and sisterhood, celebrating the incredible achievements of women in the music industry. If you were unable to attend this spectacular gathering, there’s no need to worry; we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive recap of all the thrilling moments you missed at this year’s show. From Drew Afualo reading Muni Long’s birth chart to the captivating aespa capturing memories on a Polaroid camera, and the heartfelt performance of “Cielito Lindo” by Ángela Aguilar, stay tuned for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and highlights from this unforgettable night!
The remarkable Rania Aniftos had the pleasure of engaging with honorees, presenters, and guests alongside her fellow correspondent, Jazzy. Interestingly, some of the attendees were more starstruck by Jazzy than by the celebrities themselves. During the festivities, Benedict Polizzi playfully greeted the ladies with polite catcalls, which brought smiles and giggles as they entered to receive their awards. The atmosphere was imbued with sisterly love as women celebrated one another’s significant contributions to the music scene, creating a unique bond only they could truly understand. In her heartfelt speech, Tina Knowles paid tribute to her daughters, while Ángela Aguilar emotionally honored immigrant women, advocating for their safety and rights. Demonstrating her commitment, she invited a local children’s choir from the Harmony Project to perform alongside her, further emphasizing her dedication to uplifting under-resourced communities.
The celebration continued in our vibrant portrait studio where all the ladies reunited, sharing laughter and capturing stunning photos together. Our very own Drew Afualo was backstage, showering love and appreciation on our honorees during her interviews. True to her meticulous Virgo nature, Drew enthusiastically read Billboard Birth Charts. We invited the talented women to write heartfelt letters to the women of the world and sign them, ensuring their messages of empowerment reached far and wide. Each participant was photographed for our cherished Billboard polaroid collection. Notably, Gracie Abrams expressed her gratitude towards Taylor Swift while accepting the Songwriter of the Year award before performing her moving piece, “I Love You, I’m Sorry.” The iconic Summer Walker presented the legendary Erykah Badu with her award, leaving everyone in awe of her stunning outfit. The award-winning aespa, recognized as Billboard’s Group of the Year, made a memorable appearance in our backstage lounge just moments before their electrifying performance to close the night.
As the event drew to a close, the energy was palpable with our Woman of the Year, Doechii, presenting Erykah Badu with flowers, a beautiful gesture of appreciation and respect. Doechii also took the time to recognize and celebrate the women on her team, ensuring they received their due recognition. This year’s Billboard Women in Music was not only a night of celebration but also a powerful reminder of the strength and unity among women in the music industry, making it a truly memorable event for the history books!
