Singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami have been selected as Billboard’s Women of the Year for 2026. The trio, who portrayed the fictional girl group HUNTR/X in the movie “KPop Demon Hunters,” will be honored at the Billboard Women in Music event on April 29 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
Alongside EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, other notable honorees for 2026 include Teyana Taylor, Tate McRae, Ella Langley, Kehlani, Laufey, Mariah the Scientist, Thalia, and Zara Larsson. The ceremony will be hosted by Keke Palmer, who will also grace the stage with a performance. The entire event will be livestreamed on Billboard’s official website and YouTube channel.
Leila Cobo, the co-chief content officer of Billboard, highlighted the exceptional accomplishments of the artists, emphasizing how they have reshaped perceptions of women’s impact in the global music scene. The group received the recognition for their impressive achievements in the past year.
The movie “KPop Demon Hunters,” released in 2025, gained immense popularity worldwide. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film has garnered over 500 million views on Netflix since its premiere in July last year. The movie’s soundtrack also achieved significant commercial success, with the hit song “Golden” surpassing one billion views on YouTube. The soundtrack album emerged as the top-selling soundtrack of 2025, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 Soundtrack chart and earning double-platinum certification.
“KPop Demon Hunters” revolves around K-pop stars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who lead secret lives as demon hunters safeguarding their fans from supernatural dangers while combating a rival boy band exposed as demons in disguise.
In the past, artists such as Doechii, Karol G, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift have been honored with the Women of the Year title.
