Several influential Black women in the industry were honored and in attendance at Billboard’s 2022 Women In Music event on Wednesday night, including American Express Impact Award winner H.E.R., Saweetie, Doja Cat and Normani.
Hosted by 2008 Billboard Woman of the Year recipient Ciara, the awards show had amazing performances and speeches, including a moment of silence for Ukraine from Billboard’s Women in Music Icon honoree Bonnie Raitt.
Here are the five best of the standout moments during the show.
H.E.R. honored her mother during her acceptance speech
American Express Impact Award honoree H.E.R. shouted out her mother during her speech after performing “Fate” at the Billboard Women in Music awards. During her speech, she thanked her mother for teaching her humility, remaining grounded, and becoming the woman she is today.
“I want to thank my mom for teaching me to stay humble,” H.E.R. said. “be grounded and be hardworking.”
H.E.R. said that her mother gave her a voice during her formative years, and now she can use that voice to impact others.
Normani’s interview gets interrupted by Doja Cat
Billboard’s Chelsea Briggs caught up with Normani before the show, and the R&B singer talked about her admiration for Doja Cat. However, Doja warmly crashed the interview on the pink carpet.
“I’m just going to put it out there. I think you guys should do a collab together,” Briggs said.
“We’ve talked about it,” Normani responded.
“We should,” Doj” Cat added”
Summer Walker performs a piano ballad version of "Session 32"
Walker swapped out the song’s stripped acoustic guitar melody for a piano accompaniment for the live performance.
Summer Walker performs Session 32 For Billboard’s Women In Music Awards. #BBWomenInMusic pic.twitter.com/tTozr3nH8v
— Rap Alert (@rapalert6) March 3, 2022
Ari Lennox presented her with the Chart Breaker Award for her achievements on the Billboard charts following her performance.
“I’m not really one for speeches. I like to keep it cute and quick, but today I’m not. Thank you Billboard Women in Music for acknowledging me, I really appreciate it,” Walker said. “Thank you to Interscope, LVRN, Lisa, Sean Garrett, Nija, Lacey, Rolex Windell, Sarita, Larry and my band. I really love my band.”
Saweetie’s mother presented her with the Game Changer Award
Aside from performing her Billboard Hot 100 hit “Closer,” the rapper accepted the 2022 Game Changer Award presented by her mother, Trinidad Valentin.
Valentin recalled talking to Saweetie upon her college graduation when she asked her what would be her Plan B in case rapping didn’t work out. She remembered Saweetie telling her that there was no Plan B. Valentin congratulated her daughter on, shouting, “Here’s to not having a Plan B, baby girl!”
Doja Cat closes the show with “Alone” performance and accepts the Powerhouse Award
The Powerhouse Award, which recognizes the year’s top female artists in streaming, sales, and radio play, was presented to Doja following her performance.
Doja thanked her mother, fans, and management team for their support.
“Thank you to all of my fans, thank you to my team. But for the most part, I want to thank my mom, and I want to thank Sal and Co. I love you all so much,” Doja said. “Can’t wait to break this s–t open and put the necklace on … you know, that’s what girls do. Amen, women. Let’s go.”
