INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Olivia Rodrigo praised prior feminine songwriters and music artists for giving her power whereas accepting Billboard’s 2022 Girl of the 12 months award.
The previous teen actor turned pop star was awarded in the course of the occasion Wednesday evening on the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. She spoke about being fortunate for her profession and thanked Sheryl Crow, who offered her with the respect.
“Each girl right here in the present day is working to interrupt down these limitations and alter the narrative and help one another,” mentioned Rodrigo, who opened the present by performing “deja vu.” Throughout her acceptance speech, she talked about being “always moved” by younger women who write songs each day from their bed room flooring.
“I’m always moved by your vulnerability and your creativity and bravado, and I promise everybody right here in the present day is working to make this world and this trade a greater place for you,” she continued.
Rodrigo turned 2021’s largest breakout star along with her confessional debut album, breaking chart data and racking up awards and nominations. Rodrigo’s exploration of heartache, jealousy and insecurity on her first studio album “SOUR” broke streaming data and led to all 11 tracks touchdown within the prime 30 of the Billboard Scorching 100 chart. She’s the primary feminine artist to realize the feat.
“What I like most about songwriting is its capacity to completely seize how I really feel higher than something I might have mentioned in a dialog,” she mentioned. “Songwriting has all the time been the whole lot to me, so for folks to attach with my music is past a dream come true.”
Bonnie Raitt, who was honored with the Icon Award, used the Ladies in Music stage to deal with the disaster in Ukraine. She carried out the John Prine-written “Angel From Montgomery” with Jackson Browne then mentioned the tune was dedication to the “girls of Ukraine.”
After she accepted her award, the 10-time Grammy winner and activist mentioned she needed extra fairness and alternative girls. She continued to say her “coronary heart is heavy” for the folks of Ukraine and mentioned she’s even praying for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I do know the Russian persons are not in settlement – so a lot of them – with what’s being accomplished,” she mentioned. “I pray for all of the people who find themselves working laborious for peace, together with the person who began the battle. Could he have a change.”
H.E.R, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Phoebe Bridgers, Karol G and Summer season Walker had been a few of the different music artists who had been acknowledged on the occasion, which celebrated the achievements of prime feminine performers and executives within the music trade. Gabby Barrett and govt Golnar Khosrowshahi had been additionally honored in the course of the stay stream present, which was hosted by Ciara.
It was a household affair for Saweetie and Bridgers who each had their moms individually current the awards to them.
Saweetie’s mom, Trinidad Valentin, known as her daughter a “pressure to be reckoned with.” In the meantime, Bridgers mother – Jamie Bridgers – mentioned she’s grateful that her daughter has discovered a method to make use of her voice to “spotlight folks and causes she cares about.”
Barrett’s husband, Cade Foehner, gave a heartfelt speech about his spouse’s music success and her being a spouse and mom.
The couple joined on stage to carry out a rendition of “I Hope.”
“I grew up with this huge dream. It actually was not straightforward,” Barrett mentioned. “I didn’t come from a rich background. Lots of people doubted me – youngsters, adults, schoolteachers. I heard a number of ‘nos’ and it appeared like each door that I knocked on remained closed for a very long time. However by the graciousness of God, I’m right here in the present day. I proceed to work laborious and persevere.”
H.E.R. obtained the impression award, Doja Cat snagged the powerhouse award, Karol G received rule breaker award, Saweetie claimed recreation changer award, Bridgers took residence trailblazer award and Walker was acknowledged for the chart breaker award.
Christina Aguilera took the stage and mentioned she was chosen for a brand new NFT journal cowl. The singer mentioned she will probably be donating a portion of her proceeds to the Nationwide Coalition Towards Home Violence.
