Billboard Girls in Music 2025: Finest Moments

Megan Moroney opened the night with a spirited model of “Am I Okay?” in a stunning silver-fringed mini costume that she twirled in with aplomb as she confidently strode throughout the stage. Accepting her Rulebreaker Award introduced by Crown Royal Whisky from Tanner Adell, Moroney joked that it was ironic that she was receiving the award as a result of in her actual life, she is an avid rule follower. “I stole a bit of gum once I was 10 and I nonetheless give it some thought typically,” she stated earlier than thanking the “so many dangerous bitches on my staff.” – Melinda Newman

Mickey Guyton quoted GloRilla’s inescapable 2024 summer season smash “TGIF” (“showin’ off my moose knuckle,” she rapped) when presenting the Memphis rapper with the Powerhouse Award. Glo delivered one other scene-stealing quotable throughout her acceptance speech: her “eugh eugh” ad-lib from her and Sexyy Pink’s “Whatchu Kno About Me” from her debut studio album Wonderful. The group couldn’t get eugh-nough of it. “Shoutout to Memphis for making me and elevating me. And shoutout to Billboard! Let’s go!” Glo exclaimed. – Heran Mamo

Muni Lengthy’s riveting efficiency of “Superpowers” attracted enthusiastic applause and loud shout-outs. Lengthy was the recipient of the Rising Star Award introduced by Honda Stage. She accepted the distinction from fellow singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, who shared that it was type of ironic that Lengthy was receiving this award since she’s already written hit songs for the likes of Rihanna and Ariana Grande. Michaels acknowledged how troublesome the transition from songwriter to singer might be — “as somebody who is aware of about that journey. However Rising Star may also imply taking dangers. Muni didn’t let that cease her and solid forward. That’s why Billboard Girls in Music is honoring her.” – Gail Mitchell

As Songwriter of 12 months honoree Gracie Abrams started to carry out her hit “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” fellow WIM honoree Erykah Badu regarded on in awe as followers passionately sang alongside to the emotive efficiency. “Songwriting is wild,” Abrams stated in her acceptance speech, thanking Taylor Swift for “her pen, which very a lot raised me.” The second mirrored the that means of the complete night, to pay it ahead whereas honoring those that got here earlier than — persevering with a celebrated circle of girls supporting ladies. – Lyndsey Havens

Ángela Aguilar devoted her second on stage to immigrants. “I need to take this second to boost my voice for the ladies whose voices are usually not at all times given a stage, for the ladies who go away behind the whole lot they know crossing borders,” the Mexican famous person stated throughout her acceptance speech for the Breakthrough Award. Following her gorgeous efficiency of “Cielito Lindo,” the place she was accompanied by a full band in addition to a refrain of youngsters who’re immigrants, she added, “So at present, for my grandmother, for my mom, who’s honored tonight, and to each lady who has paved the way in which for each younger woman to have the ability to dream. We aren’t breaking down, we’re breaking by way of.” – Taylor Mims

Meghan Trainor delivered a hilarious but deeply genuine speech as she accepted the Hitmaker Award, introduced to her by Madison Beer. “Writing songs is my important supply of serotonin—subsequent to my children, Riley and Barry, and my husband, Daryl,” she shared. Opening up about her songwriting course of, she added, “I write these songs for myself as a result of I’m insecure, and I am going to remedy so much. I’m on medication… I like my therapist a lot—she’s most likely watching. Asking for assistance is the one motive I’m right here.” – Cat Johnson

Tyla’s “On My Physique” collaborator Becky G stated she’d try the viral TikTok dance for the South African singer-songwriter’s Sizzling 100 No. 7 smash “Water” “after a number of tequilas.” However when the popiano princess commanded the stage with “no hesitation” — as she sings in her newest single “Push 2 Begin” — she didn’t want any liquid braveness. “C’mon!” Tyla roared into the mic along with her signature ferocity as she and her three backup dancers turned up the temperature with their horny, syncopated strikes. Meghan Trainor was amongst these going wild for the efficiency, shouting “I like you!” all through it.

When she accepted the Affect Award introduced by Bose, Tyla mirrored on her world success. “I left my nation with huge desires, and I assumed I had extra time to determine issues out. However when my profession took off, I noticed that God has His personal plans,” she stated earlier than teasing her personal upcoming plans for “new music. That’s all I’m going to say.” – H. Mamo

“Her affect has been felt internationally this 12 months,” stated Kali Uchis whereas introducing Jennie, who was receiving the appropriately named World Power Award. “I’m impressed by all the ladies on this room — and across the globe who proceed to interrupt limitations and make their mark on the world stage,” Jennie stated. “This award is devoted to each lady who dares to dream and create and form the world along with her imaginative and prescient.” – L. Havens

In her heartfelt speech accepting the Mom of the 12 months Award, Tina Knowles expressed gratitude to her daughters Beyoncé and Solange and her niece Angie Beyincé, in addition to Future’s Youngster members Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett, saying, “I received to mom you all in some methods, and also you all believed in me.” She additionally acknowledged Mathew Knowles, thanking him for “at all times combating for me.” – C. Johnson

When aespa hit the stage to simply accept the Group of the 12 months Award from singer/actress Suki Waterhouse, the gang lit up — actually. aespa-branded lightsticks popped up throughout the YouTube Theater crowd, with all of the MYs (as their loyal followers are known as) making their presence identified. Each phrase the quartet spoke elicited piercing screams all through the room, however though they’ve hit unimaginable highs, they promised “that is only the start. We’re simply getting heat now, and I promise we’ll be on much more levels for extra highly effective performances.” About 40 minutes later, their promise got here true when aespa closed the present with a efficiency of “Whiplash,” activating their vocal fanbase as soon as extra. Joined by eight backup dancers sporting all black, the foursome surprised in all white as frenetic graphics flashed on the display screen behind them. They dominate the Billboard charts and now the Billboard stage, too. – Katie Atkinson

It was legend assembly the subsequent technology she birthed when Ms. Erykah Badu acquired the Music Icon Award from R&B star Summer season Walker. And it seems that Badu was the doula who delivered Walker’s twin sons. “She’s been my fave artist since I used to be 12,” stated Walker, who additionally known as Badu her idol and mentor. After singling out Badu’s “fearless artistry,” Walker launched a video that captured the affect that Badu has had on a number of established and rising artists: “As an artist,” stated Badu, “I by no means thought it was my job to be [limited] to anyone class.”

Throughout her heat, freewheeling acceptance speech, Badu shared a narrative the place she defined to her daughter that the vagina was a very powerful factor on earth, to which her daughter requested, “The place is the earth’s vagina?” After noting that she might have paused too lengthy between the set-up and the punchline, Badu repeated the ultimate a part of her anecdote – and on the second time round, Badu had the entire theater laughing. – Gail Mitchell, Joe Lynch

After an introduction from her collaborators Jayda Love and DJ Miss Milan, Doechii accepted the Lady of the 12 months 2025 Award and mirrored on her “full circle” second with the occasion. “I can not consider it was simply two years in the past I stood on this stage proper right here and accepted the Billboard Rising Star Award. I had actually carried out so onerous I danced my footwear off and needed to hop as much as the mic,” she recalled of that 2023 set, smiling. “And right here I’m. That second displays how I strategy my profession – at all times go full out, at all times go onerous and at all times be fab.”

The Grammy winner famous that even almost 20 years later, a “lack of inclusion and sexism are nonetheless points on this trade. And that’s an issue. Which is why I’m grateful we’ve Billboard Girls in Music.” – J. Lynch