🎤 Hosted by Laverne Cox, who wore Dior by John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, the event was also a runway moment — not just fashion, but fashion history.
💙 The blue carpet saw Tinashe, Summer Walker, Victoria Monét, Keyshia Cole, Ari Lennox, and more redefining presence with every step.
This night reminded the world: Black women aren’t optional — we are the main stage. (If you are on our website click to see our IG post on this)
Tyla: Impact Award & Style Moment
Tyla, winner of the Impact Award presented by Bose, didn’t just arrive — she dominated. Wearing Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture, she performed Push to Start and teased new music, driving her fans — the “Tygers” — wild. Her look, her stage presence, and her heartfelt speech reminded everyone why she’s a force beyond her vocals. Tyla knows her brand. She’s proof that Black girl excellence crosses oceans.
Muni Long: Rising Star
Muni Long, honored with the Rising Star Award Presented by Honda Stage, stood tall after years behind the scenes writing hits for others. Now in her own spotlight, she gave a speech that was all heart. Her journey shows that when the moment comes, you claim it — loudly.
Erykah Badu: Icon Status Confirmed
And of course, Erykah Badu, who received the Icon Award. Her name is already etched in music history. Billboard simply put a spotlight on what Black women have always known — Erykah is the moment, the movement, and the muse.
Laverne Cox: Archival Fashion on Full Display
Let’s talk fashion. Laverne Cox, our host for the evening, didn’t just show up — she gave fashion history. She wore two breathtaking archival looks: Dior by John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. That’s not styling — that’s storytelling. She reminded us why she’s a host with unmatched presence and edge.
Presenters and Performers: A Power-Packed Lineup
Billboard stacked this year’s stage and carpet with women who lead by example:
Performers included:
aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long, and Tyla.
Presenters featured:
Lauren Jauregui, Victoria Monét, Becky G, Julia Michaels, Kali Uchis, Madison Beer, Mickey Guyton, Suki Waterhouse, Summer Walker, Tanner Adell, and Zara Larsson.
On the blue carpet were women like Tinashe, Ari Lennox, Keyshia Cole, Queen Naija, and Victoria Monét — women who not only dominate the charts but redefine style and substance.
Honorees List Recap
- Tina Knowles – Mother of the Year
- Doechii – Woman of the Year
- Tyla – Impact Award
- Muni Long – Rising Star Award
- Erykah Badu – Icon Award
- GloRilla – Powerhouse Award
- Ángela Aguilar – Breakthrough Award
- aespa – Group of the Year
- Gracie Abrams – Songwriter of the Year
- JENNIE – Global Force Award
- Megan Moroney – Rulebreaker Award
- Meghan Trainor – Hitmaker Award
A Night of Power and Purpose
This wasn’t just a red carpet. It was a blue carpet rolled out for women who deserve more than flowers — they deserve infrastructure, support, and cultural reverence. These women didn’t just win awards. They represented the reshaping of the music industry. Not with permission. With power.
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Disclaimer:
For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
