The 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards on Wednesday night celebrated the incredible achievements of powerhouse artists like Karol G, Kylie Minogue, and Victoria Monét. The evening was a jubilant gathering at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, where these phenomenal women were rightfully honored for their remarkable contributions to the music industry.
Karol G, basking in the glow of her historic win at the 2024 Grammys, was named Billboard’s Woman of the Year. Overflowing with joy and gratitude, she exclaimed, “First of all, I’m having so much fun. I’m seeing a lot of girls that I admire, and I respect so I’m super happy and I feel so proud to be here and to have the honor. To be the first Latina to be Women of the Year, oh my God it’s crazy!” Her infectious enthusiasm mirrored the celebratory atmosphere of the night.
The event was a testament to the increasing dominance of women in the music industry, with luminaries like Kylie Minogue and Victoria Monét taking center stage. Kylie, recipient of the Icon award, expressed being “kind of dumbstruck” and simultaneously “amazed but also very proud.” Reflecting on her illustrious career, she shared with Access Hollywood, “I am always thinking about what’s next or what I could have done better. There’s a lot of calculating going on so to have a night like tonight where I allow myself to take a breath and just go ‘I did that, and it’s cool’ is truly special.”
Lainey Wilson, one of the presenters at the ceremony, captured the essence of the evening, saying, “It’s cool to be in the same room with women who are from all different walks of life. Women who work hard, who are just paving their own way. Go against the grain. It’s a cool feeling to be here every time.” The diverse representation of women from various backgrounds and genres highlighted the unity and strength within the music industry.
The Billboard Women in Music Awards was filmed on March 6 in Los Angeles and can be streamed on March 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on billboardwomeninmusic.com. The excitement generated by this gathering of accomplished women will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the broadcast.
Notably, the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards showcased not only the immense talent of these honored artists but also their global impact. The list of honorees spanned continents, featuring musicians from Colombia, Australia, England, South Korea, Nigeria, Brazil, the Philippines, Italy, Puerto Rico, and the continental U.S. This geographical diversity highlighted the universal language of music and the far-reaching influence of these phenomenal women.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards stands as a testament to the trailblazing women who are not only leaving an indelible mark on the industry but also inspiring the next generation of artists. The celebration of these artists at the pinnacle of their careers creates a sense of joy and hope for the future, underscoring the incredible strides made by women in music.
Host
Tracee Ellis Ross
Performing Honorees
Karol G – Woman of the Year
Charli XCX – Powerhouse
Maren Morris – Visionary
NewJeans – Group of the Year, presented by Coke Studio
TEMS – Breakthrough
Victoria Monét – Rising Star, presented by Honda
Young Miko – Impact, presented by American Express
Luísa Sonza – Global Force (group award)
Non-Performing Honorees
Ice Spice – Hitmaker
Kylie Minogue – Icon
Michelle Jubelirer – Executive of the Year
PinkPantheress – Producer of the Year, presented by Bose
Sarah Geronimo – Global Force (group award)
Annalisa – Global Force (group award)
Presenters
Andra Day
Sky Ferreira
Nelly Furtado
GloRilla
Ellie Goulding
JoJo
Coco Jones
Bebe Rexha
Saweetie
Lainey Wilson
