GloRilla Shines Bright at Billboard Women in Music 2025 Celebration

The Billboard Women in Music 2025 event at YouTube Theater in Inglewood spotlighted GloRilla’s remarkable career resurgence alongside other female music powerhouses.

Following a difficult 2023 in which her releases struggled to chart, GloRilla staged an incredible recovery, culminating in her Powerhouse Award triumph.

The 25-year-old Memphis native reinvented herself with successes like “Yeah Glo!” which spent two weeks atop Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and peaked at No. 28 on the Hot 100.

Her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on “Wanna Be” cemented her comeback, peaking at No. 11 after receiving a boost from a Cardi B remix.

Mickey Guyton presented GloRilla’s award, quoting her inescapable summer anthem “TGIF” that had captivated fans and fellow artists throughout 2024.

Rihanna’s viral clip dancing to the track helped propel GloRilla to new heights, eventually making her the face of all four Fenty brands by February 2025.

GloRilla’s debut album, “Glorious,” earned the highest opening week total for a female rapper in 2024, landing at No. 5 on the Billboard 200.

Before the main event, GloRilla caught up with Billboard’s Rania Aniftos & Jazzy on the red carpet at the Billboard Women in Music 2025.

She talked about the “just water fest,” which she had talked about starting at the Grammys earlier this year, involving her taking just water and no beverage alongside her food.

She acknowledged that she had it going for a while, and it made her feel super clean.

During her award speech, GloRilla delivered her characteristic “eugh eugh” ad-lib from “Whatchu Kno About Me,” eliciting huge applause from the audience.

GloRilla’s comeback story, which included three No. 1 hits in Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay in less than a year, exemplified the resilience honored throughout the evening.

Host Laverne Cox guided the ceremony that honored numerous influential women creating paths in the music industry with performances, tributes, and awards.

Industry Luminaries Share the Spotlight

Doechii claimed the night’s highest honor as Billboard’s Woman of the Year, reflecting on her journey from Rising Star Award recipient just two years prior.

During her victory speech, Doechii underlined the ongoing fight against industry sexism and expressed gratitude for platforms that celebrate women’s accomplishments.

Tina Knowles received the Mother of the Year Award, recognizing her daughters Beyoncé and Solange, as well as the Destiny’s Child members she helped nurture.

Erykah Badu accepted the Icon Award from Summer Walker, who revealed Badu had served as doula for her twin sons, highlighting their personal connection.

Meghan Trainor gave a poignant acceptance speech for her Hitmaker Award, openly mentioning treatment and medication while praising her family.

Tyla energized the audience with a commanding performance before accepting the Impact Award presented by Bose from her collaborator Becky G.

K-pop sensation Aespa received Group of the Year honors, drawing passionate fan support complete with branded lightsticks throughout the venue.

JENNIE accepted the Global Force Award from Kali Uchis, dedicating it to “every woman who dares to dream and create and shape the world.”

Gracie Abrams delivered an emotional performance of “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” with fellow honoree Erykah Badu visibly moved by the audience’s connection.

During her Songwriter of the Year acceptance, Abrams thanked Taylor Swift “for her pen, which very much raised me.”

Ángela Aguilar spoke for immigrant women whose voices are frequently ignored by using her Breakthrough Award moment.

The evening embodied a beautiful circle of support, with established icons celebrating emerging talents while newcomers paid homage to those who paved their way.