Watch Billboard's Women in Music

Billboard's Women in Music is a televised event that celebrates female artists who’ve made significant contributions to the music industry. It's a platform where women can be recognized for their hard work, determination, and achievements in a male-dominated industry. The show features a lineup of performances, speeches, and award presentations. It also includes interviews with female music executives and producers, who discuss the ongoing challenges faced by women in music. The Billboard Women in Music Awards were launched in 2007, and since then, it has become one of the most prominent events in the music industry. The awards recognize the top female artists across various genres, including pop, rock, R&B, and country music. The 2014 edition of Billboard's Women in Music celebrated some of the biggest female names in the music industry. Among the honorees were Taylor Swift, who received the Woman of the Year award, Aretha Franklin, who received the Icon Award, and Ariana Grande, who was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year. The event was hosted by two-time Grammy nominee Janelle Monáe, who kicked off the show with a powerful performance. Other performers throughout the night included Charli XCX, Jessie J, and Iggy Azalea. One of the highlights of the show was Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Woman of the Year. In her speech, she addressed the double standards faced by women in the industry and how she had to overcome them. She also used this platform to shed light on the importance of female mentorship and support for one another. Another notable moment of the night was when Aretha Franklin was honored with the Icon Award. The legendary singer received a standing ovation from the audience as she made her way to the stage to accept the award. In her speech, she thanked Billboard for continuing to recognize the contributions of female artists in the music industry. Throughout the show, there were also interviews with some of the most influential women in music, including Beyoncé's manager, Jay Brown, and Atlantic Records executive, Julie Greenwald. They discussed the gender imbalance in music, the importance of mentorship, and opportunities for women in the industry. The show ended with a heartfelt tribute to the late Joan Rivers, who was a pioneer for women in the entertainment industry. Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, took to the stage to thank Billboard for honoring her mother's legacy. Overall, Billboard's Women in Music is an inspiring event that showcases the accomplishments of women in music and highlights the ongoing challenges they face. By recognizing the contributions of female artists, executives, and producers, the show continues to inspire and empower young women pursuing careers in the music industry.