EJAE, Audrey, and Rei: The Women of the Year
– 4 min read
Billboard’s Women in Music event was last night in LA and their “Golden” streak continues, because EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami were there to receive the Women of the Year honour which, honestly, not that it’s about me but I’ve been emotional about this since it was announced because, well, it’s not often that we see Asian women being recognised by western music institutions.
EJAE, Audrey, and Rei have been picking up trophies non-stop for months and the year before Rosé was also a huge presence with “APT” so the table is getting bigger, these artists are taking up more space and making more space.
This has been the power of music, the power of that song, a song that was inescapable since its release not even a year ago, and continues to flex its influence now. They performed it last night at the event, after an outfit change, of course, coordinating in all black on stage in outfits that also highlighted their individuality.
Those red carpet looks though. I’m basically ripping off EJAE’s hairstyle today – the middle part to a high textured pony, fat enough so that from the front you can see hair coming down the sides, it’s SO good. And I’m obsessed with the skirt.
As for Audrey, this is basically my uniform so obviously I co-sign: a baggy sweater over a tutu, you really can’t go wrong. And her commitment to braids is a constant mood board for me.
And Rei Ami in Iris Van Herpen SS19 was a perfect pull – so suited to her personality, the colours and the shapes and the imagination… my only note is that I’m not sold on the boots.
I am, however, sold on what they each had to say when they accepted their award. You can read the full transcript here. As EJAE said:
“Growing up in the U.S., I rarely saw artists who look like me on Western stages. So I pursued becoming a K-pop idol. And when that didn’t work out, I thought I was done. But when I found songwriting, I realized that music itself never questioned me. Because music doesn’t see race or gender. It only asks for the truth.”
And on that note, Laufey was also at the event last night and named Billboard’s Women in Music Innovator in such a pretty Chloé dress that also looks like her music sounds. Laufey on SNL, when?
Audrey Nuna, EJAE, and Rei Ami attend the 2026 Billboard Women in Music at Hollywood Palladium on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California
Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami attend the 2026 Billboard Women in Music at Hollywood Palladium on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California
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