A Celebration of Power and Progress
Last year, Billboard brought its Women in Music event to Canada for the first time, aiming to spotlight the artists, executives, and innovators shaping the country’s music industry. The reception was overwhelming, proving just how many women and gender-diverse leaders are driving change.
In its second year, the event returned with even greater force. Hosted at Rebel in Toronto, Billboard Canada Women in Music 2025 gathered artists, executives, and fans for a night of performances, powerful speeches, and historic firsts.
The Beaches Make History
For the first time in Billboard Women in Music history, the coveted Women of the Year award went to a group instead of an individual: The Beaches. The Toronto rock band Kylie Miller, Jordan Miller, Leandra Earl, and Eliza Enman-McDaniel received the honor with heartfelt words about their journey and the all-women team supporting them behind the scenes.
“We’ve always wanted to make space for women to be loud, hilarious, queer, authentic, and unapologetically themselves,” Kylie Miller said onstage.
The band’s award came with video tributes from icons including Elton John, Kid Cudi, Greta Van Fleet, Arkells, and last year’s winner Charlotte Cardin.
Lights Shines as a Visionary
Another highlight was Lights receiving the Visionary Award, presented by two unlikely but equally iconic figures: Bryan Adams and deadmau5. Both artists praised her creativity and production skills, with Adams revealing their recent collaboration.
In her speech, Lights turned the spotlight outward, urging young women to take risks:
“Send the email. Write the novel. Quit the job and start the business. Produce the album yourself. Start the label. Eat the whole pint. There is no time to do anything other than what excites you.”
Industry Leaders Take the Stage
The evening also honored the executives and behind-the-scenes power players who shape Canadian music. Julie Adam, President and CEO of Universal Music Canada, was named Executive of the Year, while Kristy Fletcher (COO of CARAS & MusiCounts President) and Elizabeth Crisante (Billboard Canada CCO) celebrated their peers with industry tributes.
Meg Symsyk, CEO of FACTOR, received the inaugural Champion Award, introduced by her longtime friend Geddy Lee of Rush. Her candid speech — capped with the advice “Don’t be an a hole” was a standout moment of the night.
Rising Stars and Global Recognition
The spotlight also extended to emerging talent. Julia Wolf, whose music has captured global attention (with a cosign from Drake), won the Global Rising Star Award. Indie favorite Ruby Waters, R&B singer Aqyila, and songwriter Baby Nova all delivered standout performances, proving the next wave of Canadian artists is already thriving.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Day Wilson earned the Innovator Award, celebrating her decade-long insistence on creative independence. Country artist Noeline Hofmann won the Breakthrough Award, while Quebec’s Cœur de Pirate received the Trailblazer Award alongside a stirring duet with Alexandra Stréliski.
Producer WondaGurl, hailed as “the greatest female producer of all time” by mentor Boi-1da, was honored with Producer of the Year. Her work with stars like Travis Scott, Rihanna, and Pop Smoke underscores her influence.
A Global Stage for Women in Music
The celebration in Toronto ran parallel to Billboard’s flagship Women in Music event in Los Angeles, hosted by Laverne Cox. This year’s U.S. honorees included Doechii (Woman of the Year), Erykah Badu (Icon Award), Aespa (Group of the Year), and Ángela Aguilar (Breakthrough Award), with appearances by stars like Becky G, Lauren Jauregui, and Julia Michaels.
More Than an Award Show
The night closed with a gesture that reached beyond the industry itself. TikTok creator Zachery Dereniowski (MD Motivator) surprised 25 single mothers by gifting them cars a powerful reminder of how music, community, and compassion can intersect.
The Takeaway
Billboard Canada Women in Music 2025 wasn’t just about accolades. It was about rewriting what leadership looks like in music, honoring those who fight for inclusion, and showcasing the artistry and resilience of women at every level of the industry.
As The Beaches’ victory showed, success in Canadian music today isn’t just individual it’s collective. And the future is louder, more diverse, and more inspiring than ever.
