LOS ANGELES (April 27, 2026) — Billboard has finalized its star-studded lineup for the 2026 Women in Music event, announcing a massive roster of presenters and global honorees just 48 hours before the ceremony at the Hollywood Palladium. This year’s gala, set for April 29, is breaking tradition by honoring a virtual act as Woman of the Year: the breakout K-pop group HUNTR/X (comprising EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), whose historic track “Golden” became the first female K-pop song to top the Hot 100.
A Global Powerhouse of Presenters
The presenter list reads like a “who’s who” of the modern music industry, featuring legendary icons and current chart-toppers including Dionne Warwick, Brandi Carlile, Victoria Monét, Ciara, and Lainey Wilson. They are joined by global superstars Tyla, Kim Petras, and Coco Jones, alongside multi-hyphenate talents Cara Delevingne, Eva Longoria, and Bella Poarch. The ceremony will be hosted by Emmy winner Keke Palmer, who is also scheduled to deliver a live performance during the broadcast.
Global Force: BINI and The Beaches Take the Stage
Reflecting the industry’s shift toward regional dominance, Billboard has named P-pop sensation BINI as the recipient of the Billboard Philippines Global Force Award. The announcement comes on the heels of BINI’s historic Coachella debut, further cementing their status as the “Nation’s Girl Group.” Joining them in the Global Force category is Canadian rock outfit The Beaches, who will be recognized for their massive cross-market success over the past year.
Executive of the Year and the Innovator Class
Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP, has been named Executive of the Year after leading the organization to record-breaking revenues of nearly $2 billion in 2025. Other key honorees being celebrated include Laufey (Innovator Award), Tate McRae (Hitmaker Award), and Kehlani (Impact Award). The 2026 class is defined by creators who have blurred the lines between genres and markets, from Teyana Taylor’s Visionary recognition to Zara Larsson’s Breakthrough win. Fans can watch the entire event stream live on April 29 via Billboard.com and the Billboard YouTube channel starting with the red carpet co-hosted by creator Drew Afualo.
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