Billboard Women in Music 2025: Best Moments

Megan Moroney opened the evening with a spirited version of “Am I Okay?” in a dazzling silver-fringed mini dress that she twirled in with aplomb as she confidently strode across the stage. Accepting her Rulebreaker Award presented by Crown Royal Whisky from Tanner Adell, Moroney joked that it was ironic that she was receiving the award because in her real life, she is an avid rule follower. “I stole a piece of gum when I was 10 and I still think about it sometimes,” she said before thanking the “so many bad bitches on my team.” – Melinda Newman

Mickey Guyton quoted GloRilla’s inescapable 2024 summer smash “TGIF” (“showin’ off my moose knuckle,” she rapped) when presenting the Memphis rapper with the Powerhouse Award. Glo delivered another scene-stealing quotable during her acceptance speech: her “eugh eugh” ad-lib from her and Sexyy Red’s “Whatchu Kno About Me” from her debut studio album Glorious. The crowd couldn’t get eugh-nough of it. “Shoutout to Memphis for making me and raising me. And shoutout to Billboard! Let’s go!” Glo exclaimed. – Heran Mamo

Muni Long’s riveting performance of “Superpowers” attracted enthusiastic applause and loud shout-outs. Long was the recipient of the Rising Star Award presented by Honda Stage. She accepted the honor from fellow singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, who shared that it was kind of ironic that Long was receiving this award since she’s already written hit songs for the likes of Rihanna and Ariana Grande. Michaels acknowledged how difficult the transition from songwriter to singer can be — “as someone who knows about that journey. But Rising Star can also mean taking risks. Muni didn’t let that stop her and forged ahead. That’s why Billboard Women in Music is honoring her.” – Gail Mitchell

As Songwriter of Year honoree Gracie Abrams began to perform her hit “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” fellow WIM honoree Erykah Badu looked on in awe as fans passionately sang along to the emotive performance. “Songwriting is wild,” Abrams said in her acceptance speech, thanking Taylor Swift for “her pen, which very much raised me.” The moment mirrored the meaning of the entire evening, to pay it forward while honoring those who came before — continuing a celebrated circle of women supporting women. – Lyndsey Havens

Ángela Aguilar dedicated her moment on stage to immigrants. “I want to take this moment to raise my voice for the women whose voices are not always given a stage, for the women who leave behind everything they know crossing borders,” the Mexican superstar said during her acceptance speech for the Breakthrough Award. Following her stunning performance of “Cielito Lindo,” where she was accompanied by a full band as well as a chorus of children who are immigrants, she added, “So today, for my grandmother, for my mother, who is honored tonight, and to every woman who has paved the way for every young girl to be able to dream. We are not breaking down, we are breaking through.” – Taylor Mims

Meghan Trainor delivered a hilarious yet deeply authentic speech as she accepted the Hitmaker Award, presented to her by Madison Beer. “Writing songs is my main source of serotonin—next to my kids, Riley and Barry, and my husband, Daryl,” she shared. Opening up about her songwriting process, she added, “I write these songs for myself because I’m insecure, and I go to therapy a lot. I’m on medicine… I love my therapist so much—she’s probably watching. Asking for help is the only reason I’m here.” – Cat Johnson

Tyla’s “On My Body” collaborator Becky G said she’d attempt the viral TikTok dance for the South African singer-songwriter’s Hot 100 No. 7 smash “Water” “after a few tequilas.” But when the popiano princess commanded the stage with “no hesitation” — as she sings in her latest single “Push 2 Start” — she didn’t need any liquid courage. “C’mon!” Tyla roared into the mic with her signature ferocity as she and her three backup dancers turned up the temperature with their sexy, syncopated moves. Meghan Trainor was among those going wild for the performance, shouting “I love you!” throughout it.

When she accepted the Impact Award presented by Bose, Tyla reflected on her global success. “I left my country with big dreams, and I thought I had more time to figure things out. But when my career took off, I realized that God has His own plans,” she said before teasing her own upcoming plans for “new music. That’s all I’m going to say.” – H. Mamo

“Her influence has been felt across the world this year,” said Kali Uchis while introducing Jennie, who was receiving the appropriately named Global Force Award. “I’m inspired by all the women in this room — and around the globe who continue to break barriers and make their mark on the world stage,” Jennie said. “This award is dedicated to every woman who dares to dream and create and shape the world with her vision.” – L. Havens

In her heartfelt speech accepting the Mother of the Year Award, Tina Knowles expressed gratitude to her daughters Beyoncé and Solange and her niece Angie Beyincé, as well as Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett, saying, “I got to mother you all in some ways, and you all believed in me.” She also acknowledged Mathew Knowles, thanking him for “always fighting for me.” – C. Johnson

When aespa hit the stage to accept the Group of the Year Award from singer/actress Suki Waterhouse, the crowd lit up — literally. aespa-branded lightsticks popped up across the YouTube Theater crowd, with all the MYs (as their loyal fans are called) making their presence known. Every word the quartet spoke elicited piercing screams throughout the room, but even though they’ve hit incredible highs, they promised “this is just the beginning. We’re just getting warm now, and I promise we’ll be on even more stages for more powerful performances.” About 40 minutes later, their promise came true when aespa closed the show with a performance of “Whiplash,” activating their vocal fanbase once more. Joined by eight backup dancers wearing all black, the foursome stunned in all white as frenetic graphics flashed on the screen behind them. They dominate the Billboard charts and now the Billboard stage, too. – Katie Atkinson

It was legend meeting the next generation she birthed when Ms. Erykah Badu received the Music Icon Award from R&B star Summer Walker. And it turns out that Badu was the doula who delivered Walker’s twin sons. “She’s been my fave artist since I was 12,” said Walker, who also called Badu her idol and mentor. After singling out Badu’s “fearless artistry,” Walker introduced a video that captured the influence that Badu has had on a host of established and emerging artists: “As an artist,” said Badu, “I never thought it was my job to be [limited] to any one category.”

During her warm, freewheeling acceptance speech, Badu shared a story where she explained to her daughter that the vagina was the most important thing on earth, to which her daughter asked, “Where is the earth’s vagina?” After noting that she may have paused too long between the set-up and the punchline, Badu repeated the final part of her anecdote – and on the second time around, Badu had the whole theater laughing. – Gail Mitchell, Joe Lynch

After an introduction from her collaborators Jayda Love and DJ Miss Milan, Doechii accepted the Woman of the Year 2025 Award and reflected on her “full circle” moment with the event. “I cannot believe it was just two years ago I stood on this stage right here and accepted the Billboard Rising Star Award. I had literally performed so hard I danced my shoes off and had to hop up to the mic,” she recalled of that 2023 set, smiling. “And here I am. That moment reflects how I approach my career – always go full out, always go hard and always be fab.”

The Grammy winner noted that even nearly two decades later, a “lack of inclusion and sexism are still issues in this industry. And that’s a problem. Which is why I’m grateful we have Billboard Women in Music.” – J. Lynch