2018 has been a roller-coaster year for Ariana Grande, and she’s ending it on a high note. Shortly after getting her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single with the smash hit “Thank U, Next,” this publication honored young singer with the prestigious Woman of the Year Award.
Grande discussed many of her career milestones in a lengthy cover story and accepted the award surrounded by her peers, including Janelle Monáe and Alicia Keys. Her performance of “Thank U, Next” was followed by an emotional and empowering speech, which she ended on a positive note.
“I’m really looking forward to embracing whatever happens and whatever comes my way. I have everything I’ve ever dreamt of having, and as of late I’ve discovered that it’s the things I’ve always had and the people I’ve always had that still make me the happiest,” said Ariana Grande at the Billboard’s Women in Music event.
Full List Of Honorees At 2018 Billboard Women in Music Event:
Woman of the Year: Ariana Grande
Rising Star: Hayley Kiyoko
Rulebreaker: SZA
Trailblazer: Janelle Monáe
Icon of the Year: Cyndi Lauper
Innovator: Kacey Musgraves
Executives of the Year: Danielle Aguirre, Jacqueline Charlesworth, Susan Genco, and Dina LaPolt
