Billboard Women in Music 2026 takes over the Hollywood Palladium tonight, April 29, with one of the year’s biggest celebrations of female artistry, innovation, and cultural power. Hosted by Keke Palmer, this year’s ceremony reflects a music industry increasingly shaped by genre disruptors, global superstars, and artists redefining what pop dominance can look like.
Here’s a complete guide to the Billboard Women in Music 2026.
When and Where Is Billboard Women in Music 2026?
The ceremony takes place Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The event begins at 6:30 PM PT / 9:30 PM ET and will stream live via Billboard.com and Billboard’s official YouTube channel.
Digital coverage starts even earlier, with a red carpet livestream hosted by creator Drew Afualo and Billboard executive editor Lyndsey Havens.
Who Is Hosting Billboard Women in Music 2026?
Keke Palmer leads the evening as host, bringing her signature versatility to the ceremony. Beyond emceeing, Palmer is also scheduled to perform.
Full List of 2026 Billboard Women in Music Honorees
Woman of the Year: HUNTR/X
EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami’s rise has been unusually explosive. Their track “Golden,” from K-pop Demon Hunters, became a streaming juggernaut, spending multiple weeks at No. 1 on Spotify while also collecting Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe wins.
Icon Award: Thalía
With more than 30 years of influence across Latin pop, television, and international crossover success, Thalía’s recognition honors both catalog and cultural reach.
Visionary Award: Teyana Taylor
Taylor’s multidimensional career — spanning music, directing, choreography, and fashion — positions her as one of this era’s clearest examples of artistic reinvention.
Impact Award: Kehlani
Fresh off her self-titled album and Grammy-winning single “Folded,” Kehlani’s award recognizes both musical impact and advocacy.
Hitmaker Award: Tate McRae
After So Close to What, the Miss Possessive Tour, and her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, McRae’s ascent has become impossible to ignore.
Innovator Award: Laufey
Laufey’s continued fusion of jazz, orchestral influence, and Gen Z accessibility has made her one of the most distinct artists in contemporary music.
Powerhouse Award: Ella Langley
“Choosin’ Texas” became a defining country crossover phenomenon, while Dandelion and Stagecoach 2026 reinforced her staying power.
Breakthrough Award: Zara Larsson
Midnight Sun reignited Larsson’s global commercial profile, proving career longevity can coexist with reinvention.
Rising Star Award: Mariah the Scientist
Her emotionally detailed songwriting has accelerated her rise in modern R&B.
Global Force Awards: BINI and The Beaches
BINI’s Coachella breakthrough and The Beaches’ rock resurgence reflect Billboard’s increasingly international scope.
Presenters and Performers
The presenter list includes Bella Poarch, Brandi Carlile, Cara Delevingne, Ciara, Coco Jones, Dionne Warwick, Eva Longoria, Victoria Monét, Kim Petras, Lainey Wilson, and Tyla.
Several honorees are also expected to appear onstage beyond acceptance speeches.
Leave a Reply