With International Women's Day just having passed on 8 March, Billboard has announced that EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami who are part of the virtual K-pop girl group HUNTR/X from Netflix's widely popular KPop Demon Hunters as their 2026 pick for the title of Women of the Year.
The announcement of this prestigious title comes ahead of Billboard's Women in Music that's set to take place on 29 April. Celebrating EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami as Women of the Year comes after their breakthrough performance for KPop Demon Hunters that broke several records, with the hit track 'Golden' having become the first female K-pop song to top the Hot 100, later winning a Grammy and holding No. 1 on Billboard's Global Excl. U.S. for 20 weeks.
Beyond Women of the Year, Billboard Women in Music also honours other standout women who have made an impact on the music industry in the last year. The list includes:
- Ella Langley — Powerhouse
- Kehlani — Impact
- Laufey — Innovator
- Mariah The Scientist — Rising Star
- Tate Mcrae — Hitmaker
- Teyana Taylor — Visionary
- Thalia — Icon
- Zara Larsson — Breakthrough
This year's Billboard Women in Music ceremony will be hosted by Keke Palmer and will take place at the Hollywood Palladium. Tune in to the ceremony live via Billboard.com or Billboard’s YouTube channel.
As anticipation builds for the ceremony, this year’s Billboard Women in Music continues to spotlight the trailblazing artists shaping the global music landscape. With EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami representing standout Asian artists leading the charge as 2026’s Women of the Year, the celebration promises to highlight the power of creativity, innovation and the ever-growing influence of women across the industry.
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