Inside The 2025 Billboard Women In Music Awards And Red Carpet

The annual Billboard Women In Music awards brings together women in the industry to celebrate the achievements of not only the musicians but also the producers, songwriters, managers, and this year, moms that keep them afloat. The spirit of sisterhood transformed the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, Calif., on Saturday (March 29) from a concert venue to a place of praise, with every woman in attendance uplifting the next, proving why it is the favorite annual event of many attendees.

“It’s definitely an accomplishment to be invited to this room and invited to this stage,” shared Muni Long with VIBE on the red carpet. She was recognized with the Rising Star Award. “I think the first year that it caught my attention was when Ariana Grande won woman of the year, and I was like, wait what is that? How do I get there? And so to be here tonight with a bunch of my beautiful peers is just like …Period. Yes!”

Speaking to honorees, presenters, and guests alike, a similar sentiment prevailed as the pride is not only shared among those who are recognized with awards.

Inside, guests including Zyah Belle, Keyshia Cole, Kash Doll, Kandi Burruss, Tinashe, Ari Lennox, Lakeyah, Naomi Sharon, Ledesi, Ravyn Lenae, Queen Naija, and more sipped on Crown Royal cocktails, including Tanner Adell’s signature Crown Blackberry Buckle Bunny. Literal flowers were passed around alongside mushroom tacos and additional hors d’oeuvres. The lively atmosphere powered by music from women in Pop, Hip-Hop, and R&B died down as ticketholders were ushered to their seats for the festivities to begin.

In the arena, Mickey Guyton excitedly rapped GloRilla‘s catchy “showing off my moose knuckle” lyrics as she presented the Memphis rapper with the Powerhouse Award.

“I am so excited to be here,” shared Guyton ahead of the ceremony. “To present GloRilla. It is such an honor; I just love her. I love what she represents.”

When accepting her honor, R&B singer Muni Long dedicated her speech specifically to Black women after performing “Superpowers.”

“First of all, I want to acknowledge Black women,” she remarked to applause. “The bedrock of not only the music industry but the very heart of the culture itself. Black women have always been the architects of innovation, resilience, and power. From the soulful tones of Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin to the boldness of Beyoncé and Miss Lauryn Hill, we have seen our brilliance shape the world in ways that transcend music and art.”

She continued with shoutouts to Tina Turner, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and “the aunties with four rings on every finger and a mouth full of slugs,” and “the hood which is the genesis of pop culture.”

Other key moments include Tina Knowles being recognized with the first-ever Mother Of The Year award, a dazzling showcase from Tyla as she accepted the Impact Award, and a creative performance from Icon Of The Year Erykah Badu with the award presented by Summer Walker, and Doechii being presented with the Woman Of The Year award by DJ Miss Milan and Jayda Love.

“The energy in the room tonight was nothing short of magnetic and inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate and uplift the women leading the Billboard charts for years to come,” shared Dana Droppo, Chief Brand Officer of Billboard, in a statement.

The entire affair was emceed by Laverne Cox. Take a look inside the 2025 Billboard Women In Music red carpet and ceremony below.