Doechii Honored as Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year

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Rising rap star Doechii has been named Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year, placing her among past honorees such as Taylor Swift, SZA, Lady Gaga, and last year’s recipient, Karol G.

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The announcement comes just a month after Doechii made history at the Grammys, winning Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal. She became only the third woman to claim the honor, following in the footsteps of Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. Overcome with emotion during her acceptance speech, she tearfully acknowledged the significance of her win: “This category was introduced in 1989. Two women have won—Lauryn Hill—” she paused before correcting herself. “Three women have won. Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and Doechii.”

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Now, she will be celebrated once again at the Billboard Women in Music Awards on March 29. The star-studded event, held at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, will be hosted by Laverne Cox. The ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. Pacific on VIZIO WatchFree+.

“Doechii is taking pop culture by storm,” said Billboard’s Editor-in-Chief, Hannah Karp. “This year, she became the third woman in history to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album, dazzling fans of every musical genre with her breathtaking performances, ultra-candid lyrics, and utterly unique sound, style, and spirit. We are thrilled to celebrate Doechii and cheer on her continued success.”

The 2025 Women in Music Awards will also honor other influential artists, including aespa, Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Blackpink’s Jennie, Megan Moroney, Meghan Trainor, Muni Long, and Tyla.

Doechii’s career has skyrocketed in the past year. In 2024, The Associated Press named Alligator Bites Never Heal one of the best albums of the year, praising its seamless blend of smooth R&B and sharp, intricate flows. Her performance at the Grammys, where she delivered electrifying renditions of “Denial Is a River” and “Catfish,” was widely regarded as one of the night’s standout moments.

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Related Article: ‘The Greatest Honor Hip Hop Could Give Me’: Doechii Gushes About Sharing The Stage With Lauryn Hill

Billboard’s Woman of the Year award is one of the industry’s most prestigious honors, previously awarded to icons like Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. Doechii now becomes only the second rap artist to receive the accolade, following Cardi B in 2020.

Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Doechii also follows in the footsteps of fellow Floridian Ariana Grande, who was named Woman of the Year in 2018.

With her bold creativity, genre-defying music, and undeniable stage presence, Doechii is cementing her place as one of the most influential artists of her generation. Tickets for the Billboard Women in Music Awards are available now at Ticketmaster.com.