Megan Moroney kicked off the evening with a vibrant rendition of her hit “Am I Okay?” while dazzling the audience in a striking silver-fringed mini dress that sparkled under the stage lights. As she confidently moved across the stage, Moroney accepted her Rulebreaker Award, presented by Crown Royal Whisky, with humor and grace. She reflected on her past, joking about the irony of receiving an award for rule-breaking, as she considers herself quite the rule follower. “I stole a piece of gum when I was 10, and it still haunts me,” she shared, expressing gratitude to her incredible team of “bad bitches.” – Melinda Newman

Presenter Mickey Guyton quoted GloRilla’s infectious summer anthem “TGIF” during the presentation of the Powerhouse Award. GloRilla’s acceptance speech included her signature “eugh eugh” catchphrase from her collaboration with Sexyy Red in “Whatchu Kno About Me” from her debut album Glorious. The audience was captivated and delighted as she shouted, “Shoutout to Memphis for making and raising me, and a huge thank you to Billboard! Let’s go!” Her enthusiasm and energy were contagious. – Heran Mamo

Muni Long captivated the audience with her powerful performance of “Superpowers,” earning thunderous applause and cheers from fans. She was honored with the Rising Star Award, presented by Honda Stage, a testament to her remarkable journey from songwriter to solo artist. Fellow artist Julia Michaels presented the award and highlighted the irony of Long receiving this accolade after writing chart-topping hits for stars like Rihanna and Ariana Grande. Long’s journey exemplifies the risks taken in the industry, and her perseverance led to this celebrated recognition at the Billboard Women in Music event. – Gail Mitchell

As Gracie Abrams performed her emotional song “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” honoree Erykah Badu watched with admiration as the audience passionately sang along. In her acceptance speech for the Songwriter of the Year award, Abrams expressed her gratitude towards Taylor Swift, crediting her for shaping her songwriting journey. This heartfelt moment was a perfect reflection of the evening’s theme: honoring the legacy of women who empower one another and inspire future generations. – Lyndsey Havens

Ángela Aguilar took a moment during her acceptance speech for the Breakthrough Award to advocate for immigrants. “I want to raise my voice for the women whose stories often go unheard and for those who cross borders, leaving everything behind,” she stated passionately. Following her stunning rendition of “Cielito Lindo,” accompanied by a full band and a children’s choir of immigrants, Aguilar dedicated her award to her grandmother and mother, emphasizing the importance of paving the way for young girls to pursue their dreams, declaring, “We are not breaking down; we are breaking through.” – Taylor Mims

Meghan Trainor delivered a memorable and humorous speech while accepting the Hitmaker Award, presented by Madison Beer. She humorously shared, “Writing songs is my main source of serotonin, alongside my kids, Riley and Barry, and my husband, Daryl.” Trainor opened up about her songwriting process, revealing that her music often reflects her insecurities and her journey through therapy. “I owe my success to asking for help,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness. – Cat Johnson

Tyla’s collaborator Becky G humorously mentioned her plans to attempt the viral TikTok dance for Tyla’s Hot 100 hit “Water” after a few drinks. Tyla commanded the stage with confidence during her performance of “Push 2 Start,” showcasing her dynamic dance moves alongside three backup dancers. The crowd was electrified, with Meghan Trainor cheering enthusiastically throughout the performance. When accepting the Impact Award from Bose, Tyla reflected on her journey, stating, “I left my country with big dreams, and while I thought I had time to figure it all out, my career took off in unexpected ways. God has His own plans.” She also teased her fans with hints about her upcoming music. – H. Mamo

Kali Uchis introduced Jennie, who received the Global Force Award for her profound impact worldwide. In her acceptance speech, Jennie expressed admiration for all the women present and those globally breaking barriers in the music industry. “This award is dedicated to every woman who dares to dream, create, and shape the world with her vision,” she stated, highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment in the arts. – L. Havens

During her emotional speech accepting the Mother of the Year Award, Tina Knowles expressed heartfelt gratitude towards her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, as well as her niece Angie Beyincé, and the members of Destiny’s Child. “I had the privilege of mothering you all in some ways, and your belief in me has meant the world,” she shared, also acknowledging Mathew Knowles for his unwavering support throughout her journey. – C. Johnson

When aespa accepted the Group of the Year Award from singer/actress Suki Waterhouse, the excitement in the crowd was palpable. Fans, known as MYs, lit up the venue with aespa-branded lightsticks, underscoring their passion and support. The quartet expressed their gratitude, emphasizing that despite their achievements, “this is just the beginning.” They promised their fans continued performances and growth in their artistry. True to their word, they closed the event with a powerful rendition of “Whiplash,” captivating the audience once more with their dynamic presence and stagecraft. – Katie Atkinson

The legendary Erykah Badu received the Music Icon Award from Summer Walker, who noted that Badu had been the doula for her twin sons. Walker expressed her deep admiration for Badu, calling her a mentor and idol. Badu’s acceptance speech highlighted her unique artistry and the diverse influences she has had on both established and emerging artists. “As an artist, I never thought my role was to fit into any one category,” she stated, underlining the importance of creativity and authenticity in music. – Gail Mitchell, Joe Lynch

After a warm introduction by her collaborators Jayda Love and DJ Miss Milan, Doechii proudly accepted the Woman of the Year 2025 Award, reflecting on her incredible journey. She recalled a “full circle” moment, remembering when she stood on the same stage just two years prior to accept the Billboard Rising Star Award. “I performed so hard that night I danced my shoes off,” she reminisced with a smile. Doechii’s journey emphasizes her commitment to giving her all in every performance and navigating her career with determination and flair. In her speech, she also addressed ongoing issues of inclusion and sexism in the industry, expressing gratitude for the platform that Billboard Women in Music provides. – J. Lynch