Biggest night for women in Music

The music industry’s biggest celebration of female talent returns Wednesday night as the 2026 edition of Billboard Women in Music takes center stage at the iconic Hollywood Palladium, promising a star-studded evening of performances, tributes and honors.

Hosted by multi-hyphenate entertainer Keke Palmer, the annual event will spotlight the artists and executives shaping the sound and culture of modern music. The ceremony, presented by Sonesta International Hotels, begins at 6:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. ET and will stream live on Billboard’s website and its official YouTube channel. 

The 2026 show arrives with one of its most diverse and globally influential lineups yet. Among those set to be honored are chart-topping and genre-defining artists such as Teyana Taylor, Tate McRae, Kehlani, Laufey, Zara Larsson and Ella Langley, reflecting a wide range of genres and global influence. 

Awards scheduled for the evening include the Visionary Award, Hitmaker Award, Innovator Award and Impact Award, recognizing artists whose contributions extend beyond chart success into cultural impact and industry leadership. 

Beyond the awards, the event will feature live performances from many of the honorees, continuing the tradition of blending celebration with onstage artistry. Organizers say the 2026 class represents “bold creativity, global influence, and artistic excellence,” underscoring the event’s role as a platform for recognizing women driving the future of music. 

Since its launch in 2007, Billboard Women in Music has become one of the industry’s premier annual events, honoring groundbreaking women across all facets of music — from performers and songwriters to executives and innovators. 

With anticipation building, fans worldwide will be able to tune in live Wednesday night, as the next generation of influential women in music takes the spotlight.