The music industry is buzzing with excitement as Doechii, one of the fastest-rising stars in hip-hop, has been named Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes her immense talent, influence, and groundbreaking contributions to music over the past year. Billboard made the announcement on Monday, confirming that the rapper will be celebrated at the annual Billboard Women in Music event, set to take place later this month.
Doechii’s career has been nothing short of phenomenal. The rapper, who first gained attention for her distinct style and bold artistry, has quickly risen to become one of the most talked-about names in the industry. Her recent success is largely fueled by her viral hits “No Scrubs” and “Denial is a River”, both of which captivated audiences worldwide and showcased her lyrical prowess and unique sound. “Denial is a River” peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying her status as a hitmaker.
Beyond the charts, Doechii made history in January 2025 when she won her first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Album with her critically acclaimed project, Alligator Bites Never Heal. This victory made her only the third woman in Grammy history to win the award in that category. That same night, she graced the Grammy stage for the first time, delivering an electrifying performance that featured a high-energy mashup of “Denial is a River” and “Catfish”. The performance was widely praised for its creativity and intensity, further cementing her reputation as a dynamic live performer.
From Tampa to the Top of the Charts
Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Doechii’s journey to success has been marked by determination and artistic innovation. Over the years, she has continued to push boundaries in hip-hop, blending different styles and influences to create a sound that is entirely her own. Her ability to switch between fierce rap verses, melodic hooks, and introspective lyrics has set her apart from her peers.
Since breaking into the mainstream, she has landed five songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including fan-favorite collaborations such as “Balloon” with Tyler the Creator and “ExtraL”, a hit song featuring global superstar Jennie.
Doechii’s recognition by Billboard isn’t new—she was first honored by the publication in 2023 when she received the Music Rising Star Award, a title given to emerging artists on the brink of superstardom. Now, just two years later, she has reached new heights, becoming only the third woman to transition from a Rising Star honoree to Billboard’s Woman of the Year, following in the footsteps of icons Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.
Billboard’s Praise for Doechii
Speaking on Doechii’s latest achievement, Hannah Karp, Billboard’s editor-in-chief, praised the rapper for her fearless approach to music.
“Doechii’s ultra-candid lyrics and utterly unique sound, style, and spirit have set her apart in today’s music industry. Her creativity knows no bounds, and she continues to redefine what it means to be a rapper, songwriter, and performer.”
This recognition places Doechii in an elite group of past Woman of the Year honorees, which includes some of the biggest names in music, such as SZA, Billie Eilish, Madonna, and Taylor Swift.
A Star-Studded Billboard Women in Music Event
The Billboard Women in Music 2025 event, where Doechii will officially receive her honor, is set to be a major celebration of female talent in the industry. The event will also highlight other notable artists for their contributions to music this year.
- Jennie (of BLACKPINK) will be recognized as Songwriter of the Year for her outstanding work in crafting hit songs.
- Erykah Badu, a legend in the neo-soul genre, will receive the Breakthrough Award, honoring her continued influence and impact on contemporary music.
- Meghan Trainor will be presented with the Hitmaker Award in recognition of her continued success in crafting chart-topping songs.
The night will also feature performances from a diverse lineup of talented artists, including Ángela Aguilar, aespa, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long, and Tyla.
For fans eager to watch this exciting event, Billboard Women in Music 2025 will air live on VIZIO WatchFree+ on March 29 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
A Defining Moment for Doechii
This latest recognition from Billboard further solidifies Doechii’s place as one of the most exciting artists of her generation. With her bold artistry, chart-topping hits, and unwavering commitment to her craft, she continues to break barriers and inspire a new wave of artists.
As she prepares to accept her Woman of the Year award, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see what she does next. One thing is certain—Doechii’s star is only going to shine brighter from here.
