While accepting Billboard’s Woman of the year award for 2022, Olivia Rodrigo thanked prior female songwriters as well as music artists for their strength.
The award was presented Wednesday night at Inglewood’s YouTube Theater to the former teen star and pop singer. She talked about how lucky she was for her career, and thanked Sheryl Crow who presented the honor to her.
Rodrigo said that “every woman present today is working to break down these barriers and change the narrative, support each other.” She opened the show with “deja vu” and then spoke about her “constantly moving” experience of young girls writing songs every day from their bedrooms.
She continued, “I am constantly moved by your vulnerability, your creativity, and bravery. I promise that everyone today is working to make the world and this industry better for you.”
Rodrigo was 2021’s breakout star. Her confessional debut album “SOUR” broke all records and garnered awards and nominations. Rodrigo’s first studio album, “SOUR”, explored heartache and jealousy. All 11 tracks reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This feat is the first for a female artist.
She said that songwriting “is what I love most about it.” “Songwriting was always everything to me. It is a dream come true for people to connect to my music.”
Bonnie Raitt was awarded the Icon Award. She used the Women in Music stage for the Ukraine crisis. Jackson Browne performed “Angel From Montgomery”, a John Prine song, and she then declared that the song was dedicated to the “women” of Ukraine.
The activist and 10-time Grammy winner said that she was proud to accept her award. She said that her heart was heavy for the Ukrainian people and that she is praying for Vladimir Putin, the Russian President.
She said, “I know that the Russian people aren’t in agreement – so much of them – with everything being done.” “I pray that peace will be achieved for all those who work hard to bring about peace, even the man who started it. May he find a way to transform.
H.E.R., Doja Cat and Sawetie were among the other musicians who were honored at the event. The event celebrated the achievements and leadership of female music executives and performers. During the live streaming show hosted by Ciara, Gabby Barrett was also honored along with executive Golnar Kosrowshahi.
Sawetie Bridgers and Bridgers were both involved in the ceremony, with their mothers presenting the awards separately.
Trinidad Valentin, Sawetie’s mother, described her daughter as a “force of nature to be reckoned” and said that she was grateful for her daughter’s ability to use her voice “to highlight people and causes she cares about.”
Cade Foehner, Barrett’s husband, spoke heartfeltly about his wife’s success in music and being a mother and wife.
They joined forces to sing “I Hope” together.
“This was my big dream growing up. Barrett stated that it was difficult. “I didn’t come from a rich family. Many people doubted my abilities – children, adults, and schoolteachers. There were many ‘nos’ that I heard and every door I knocked on seemed to remain closed for a while. However, God’s graciousness has brought me to this point. I will continue to persevere and work hard.”
H.E.R. H.E.R. was awarded the impact award. Doja Cat won the powerhouse award. Karol G received the rule breaker award. Sawetie took home the game changer award. Bridgers won the trailblazer award. Walker was honored with the chart breaker Award.
Christina Aguilera took to the stage to announce that she had been chosen for a cover of NFT magazine. A portion of her earnings will go to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, according to Christina Aguilera.
