Doechii has been named Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year, just two years after claiming the publication’s Rising Star award.
The historic honor places the 26-year-old rapper, singer, and visionary in elite company, joining only Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande as artists who’ve ascended from Rising Star to Woman of the Year.
“After receiving the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award in 2023, Doechii has quickly gained recognition in the music industry for her bold creativity and impressive talent,” Hannah Karp, editorial director of Billboard, said in a statement. “With her genre-blending sound, Doechii is redefining what it means to be a trailblazer in the music industry.”
“We are honored to celebrate Doechii and cheer on her continued success!”
Doechii is the second rap performer to receive the award, succeeding Cardi B in 2020. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Doechii is the second artist from the Sunshine State to be honored as Woman of the Year.
On February 2, Doechii made history as the second solo female artist to receive the Grammy for Best Rap Album, following in Cardi B’s footsteps. She earned the award for her highly praised mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. Billboard’s Jason Lipshutz rated her performance of “Denial Is a River” and “Catfish” as the highlight of the evening during the Grammy broadcast.
Doechii’s achievements will be recognized alongside the successes of Erykah Badu, Muni Long, GloRilla, Tyla, and others later this month at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. Fans can either buy tickets for the event or watch live for free on March 29 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT via VIZIO TVs and the VIZIO mobile app, with VIZIO WatchFree+ serving as the exclusive platform for the broadcast.
The presenters for the event will be Becky G, Suki Waterhouse, Julia Michaels, Kali Uchis, Madison Beer, Mickey Guyton, Summer Walker, Tanner Adell, and Zara Larsson. The lineup of performers includes Ángela Aguilar, aespa, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long, and Tyla, with additional names set to be revealed. Laverne Cox will be the host of the ceremony.
