Doechii will be honoured as the 2025 Billboard Woman of the Year on Saturday, March 29, solidifying her mark on the music industry.
The queer rapper won the Rising Star award at the Billboard Women in Music event in 2023, and she will be the third awardee to progress from Rising Star to Woman of the Year, joining the ranks of Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.
Billboard’s Woman of the Year title is one of the music industry’s highest honors, and the award will recognise Doechii’s hard work, dedication, and undeniable musical influence. Previous award winners include Madonna, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, and Taylor Swift.
Hannah Karp, Editor-in-Chief of Billboard, said: “Doechii is taking pop culture by storm, this year becoming the third woman in history to win a Grammy for best rap album, and dazzling fans of every musical genre with her breathtaking performances, ultra-candid lyrics and utterly unique sound, style and spirit.”
She added: “We are thrilled to celebrate Doechii and cheer on her continued success.”
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As mentioned by Karp, the 26-year-old star won a Grammy for Best Rap Album following the success of her 2024 release Alligator Bites Never Heal, becoming the third woman in history to win in this category.
Upon accepting the award, Doechii tearfully said: “This category was introduced in 1989. Two women have won, Lauryn Hill—” she stopped, clarifying: “Three women have won. Lauryn Hill, Cardi B and Doechii.”
Doechii was also recently named Outstanding New Artist at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards.
Doechii’s music represents a versatile mix of genres, combining elements of smooth, romantic R&B ballads and rap styles. Two of her singles have earned top 30 places on the Billboard Hot 100: ‘What It Is (Block Boy)’ and ‘Denial Is a River’.
Lavern Cox is hosting the 2025 Billboard Women in Music ceremony on Saturday, March 29, at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, California.
The prestigious annual star-studded event honours some of the music industry’s most influential artists. In addition to Doechii, this year’s show will recognise aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Blackpink’s Jennie, Megan Moroney, Meghan Trainor, Muni Long and Tyla.
© 2025 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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