Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:22pm
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Billboard has unveiled the first wave of honorees for its 2026 Women in Music celebration, spotlighting artists whose work continues to shape the sound and direction of the music industry. The annual event returns to the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on April 29, with multi-Emmy winner Keke Palmer set to host and perform. This year’s honorees include Ella Langley, Kehlani, Laufey, Mariah the Scientist, Tate McRae, Teyana Taylor, Thalía, and Zara Larsson.
Why it matters
Billboard’s Women in Music event has become a highly anticipated annual celebration, recognizing the vital contributions of female artists who are driving the industry forward through their creativity, influence, and commercial success. The 2026 honorees reflect the diversity and dynamism of today’s music landscape, showcasing both rising stars and established icons.
The details
The Powerhouse Award will go to Ella Langley, who recently earned her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit. Kehlani will receive the Impact Award for her chart accomplishments and her advocacy around identity and mental health issues. Laufey is being honored with the Innovator Award after securing her second Grammy earlier this year. Mariah the Scientist’s ‘Rising Star’ nod reflects her steady ascent in modern R&B, while Tate McRae and Teyana Taylor are being recognized for their first Hot 100 No. 1 hits and expansive creative visions, respectively. Thalía will accept the Icon Award, and Zara Larsson is this year’s Breakthrough Artist.
- Billboard’s Women in Music event will take place on April 29, 2026 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
- Teyana Taylor recently earned Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar nominations.
- Tate McRae and Ella Langley each celebrated their first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits in the past year.
- Laufey secured her second Grammy earlier this year.
- Kehlani picked up her first two Grammy wins.
The players
Ella Langley
An artist who was awarded the Powerhouse Award for her chart-topping success.
Kehlani
The recipient of the Impact Award, recognized for her chart accomplishments and advocacy around identity and mental health issues.
Laufey
An artist who was honored with the Innovator Award after securing her second Grammy earlier this year.
Mariah the Scientist
The Rising Star Award honoree, whose understated vocals and emotional storytelling have earned her a devoted following in modern R&B.
Tate McRae
The recipient of the Hitmaker Award, who celebrated her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit in the past year.
Teyana Taylor
The Visionary Award honoree, who continues to expand her influence beyond music into film, fashion, and directing.
Thalía
The artist who will accept the Icon Award.
Keke Palmer
The multi-Emmy winner who will host and perform at the 2026 Billboard Women in Music event.
Leila Cobo
The Billboard Co-Chief Editorial Officer who shared that Women in Music is about recognizing success and possibility.
Jason Lipshutz
Billboard’s co-chief content officer, who stated that the 2026 honorees represent bold creativity, global influence, and artistic excellence across genres.
What they’re saying
“Women in Music is about recognizing success and possibility. For almost 20 years, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on women who are not only making great music but also transforming the industry.”
— Leila Cobo, Billboard Co-Chief Editorial Officer (big1021.com)
“The 2026 Billboard Women in Music honors artists who are not only shaping the sound of today, but defining the culture of tomorrow. This year’s honorees represent bold creativity, global influence and artistic excellence across genres. From breakthrough voices to enduring icons, each of these women is pushing the industry forward in powerful ways.”
— Jason Lipshutz, Billboard’s co-chief content officer (big1021.com)
What’s next
Additional performers, presenters and the recipient of the 2026 Woman of the Year title will be announced soon. Tickets and tables will be available for public purchase in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
Billboard’s Women in Music event continues to be a powerful platform for celebrating the diverse and influential female artists who are shaping the music industry. This year’s honorees represent a wide range of genres, backgrounds, and career stages, underscoring the depth and breadth of talent among women in music today.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source nationaltoday.com ’
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