The music industry is squarely on the back of these women, and we’re here for it

As this year’s Grammy Awards came to a close, social media flooded with users celebrating the wins of their favorite artists and others they believed deserved the awards they received. Amid the memes, the tears, and the clips of the entire venue singing along to Kendrick Lamar’s record of the year (you know which line), a sentiment surfaced that many have rallied behind: The women of the music industry are absolutely killing it—and it’s a well-deserved string of victories.

With a star-studded slate that included Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Beyoncé (among many, many others) bagging wins, making unforgettable performances, and using their platforms to advocate for things bigger than themselves, the women of the music industry have shown that they are the giants in the game—and they’re here to stay.

The production value that goes behind these stars’ performances are unmistakable—from giant pink ponies to fireworks to jumping from the top of a stadium, stardom is as glitzy as its namesake. There is no denying that these performers shine with their multiple wardrobe changes, set pieces, and sometimes death-defying stunts. And most of the time, it’s female performers carrying these out.

This is not to say that male performers don’t put in the effort—one look at Lamar’s or The Weeknd’s halftime show will debunk that immediately—but it’s more often the women who have to find new ways to push the boundaries of performance and spectacle to deliver a truly noteworthy act.

With a star-studded slate that included Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Beyoncé (among many, many others) bagging wins, making unforgettable performances, and using their platforms to advocate for things bigger than themselves, the women of the music industry have shown that they are the giants in the game—and they’re here to stay

Some of these showcases are cinematic, almost—Chappell Roan’s performance of “Good Luck Babe” in a full suit of armor, crossbow, and a legion of dancers with swords comes to mind. Even the extravagance and showmanship of their sold-out tours are a wonder to behold. Taylor Swift’s Eras tour with all its glamor, literal moving parts, odes to her entire discography, with stamina and breath control to last three and a half hours in boots and heels comes to mind. So does Beyoncé’s multi-layered, glamorous shows where she’s able to demonstrate her prowess as a true performer—not just as a singer or dancer but also someone who can really capture your attention from start to finish.

These women are star power personified. Many of them do more than just perform their hits—Carpenter tap danced at the Grammys, Lizzo consistently shows off her flute skills she’s had since she was a child, and almost all these women have painstakingly learned to dance (even the ones who were never really dancers, to begin with).

This speaks volumes about how performances have evolved through the years—but especially for women. Again, this isn’t a blanket statement for all male performers, but it’s common that the bar isn’t as high for them. Many male performers can walk out in a T-shirt and a guitar and call it a day, maybe add some lights and a fog machine, sure, but otherwise, it’s not as expected of them to have several costumes, makeup, and hair in 10-second changes.

To command attention like these women do is an art. It takes someone extraordinary to do it—and these women are just that. With the envelope for performance being pushed more and more every year, it’s usually the women who step up to be at the forefront of something bigger and bolder. It’s not just about being loud or being the best vocalist, but also truly embracing the title of artist.

What’s especially incredible is that these women—in their success, in their glitter eyeshadow, and with their gilded awards—are fighting for causes much bigger than the music. While many of these performers are already singing about feelings and issues that resound deeply with the entire world, they shed light on injustices we often overlook. By using their platform and the audience they have tuned in, they’re able to garner more attention to the plights of those who have no voice, who have no audience, who don’t draw crowds.

Gaga has insisted time and again that trans people are not invisible—a powerful sentiment given the political climate especially in the United States. She has been a staunch supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights from the beginning and has only shouted louder despite the zeitgeist of the times.

What’s especially incredible is that these women—in their success, in their glitter eyeshadow, and with their gilded awards—are fighting for causes much bigger than the music

Roan, when receiving the Best New Artist award, spoke about livable wages for artists and how they deserved to earn more for the work they did, another sensitive topic in this tumultuous period.

Doechii has released merch in the past that criticizes police brutality and has been outspoken about giving young Black women a voice. She’s given Black women hope that they can achieve their dreams, which is so important as well given the rampant racism all around the world.

Many other stars have also publicly decried the violence against Palestine and have visibly shown their support. Dua Lipa, Kehlani, and Billie Eilish are some of many who have used their platform to shed light on the genocide and have not backed down despite public cries against them.

It’s refreshing to see slates of Grammy nominees becoming increasingly women-dominated. And why not? The glitter they apply is more than just an accessory, but a symbol of how much they shine, how hard they work for their accolades, and how they deserve to be seen.

Some of these women have been working hard for years, decades even, to get to where they are now. It’s success stories like Roan playing “Pink Pony Club” to an audience of no more than 50 to getting the entire Grammys audience singing along. Gaga working her hardest to secure shows by pretending to be her manager when calling venues to convince them to let her play, changing her entire stage persona and name so she could catch the public’s eye and see her true talent for what it is. Doechii started writing raps in high school and saw critical acclaim in 2024 after working hard on her craft.

It’s refreshing to see slates of Grammy nominees becoming increasingly women-dominated. And why not? The glitter they apply is more than just an accessory, but a symbol of how much they shine, how hard they work for their accolades, and how they deserve to be seen

It’s beautiful to see women carrying the industry while ensuring we are also looking beyond the glamor of their performances. While we all love entertainment, there’s also the conscious effort to redirect our attention elsewhere as well, beyond being wowed by the incredible spectacle. 

The women of this industry are making sure we look to spaces and causes we might not usually look at, celebrate, or witness with the same awe we do when watching them perform—and it’s important. These spaces and causes aren’t always the most glamorous and don’t garner nearly as much attention or help as they should. Many women dominating the charts are now giving their excess in riches and attention to those who need it most and lack support.

I’m so happy to live in a time when going to a concert means dressing up, putting on glitter, and singing along with other girls who feel a female artist’s music has resonated so wonderfully with them. I love that I’m able to watch these performances online and see how they bedazzle not just the space around them, but the time with gorgeous music that garners audiences that grow bigger and bigger every time. And I love that these women are getting the love, respect, and validation they deserve for all their hard work rehearsing, singing, and keeping up appearances.

I love that women are carrying the music industry right now. I’m very much here for it.