Janelle Monáe will be honored by Billboard at this year’s Women in Music event in New York City.
According to Billboard, she’ll be honored with the Trailblazer Award, which is awarded to an artist that “acts as a music industry pioneer by using her platform to spotlight unheard voices and break ground for future generations of performers.”
Jason Lipshutz, Billboard’s editorial director said, “Janelle Monáe’s insatiable drive to incorporate new, untold stories into her artistic projects — while synthesizing classic funk, soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and rock — makes her a truly unique voice. Popular music is more interesting today because Janelle Monáe is part of it.”
Janelle Monáe has used her platform both inside and outside of music to help push women forward. Her latest album “Dirty Computer,” released earlier this year on April 27th and reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200. She followed up with the
“Dirty Computer,” emotion picture to illustrate the music.
Cyndi Lauper has been announced as the Icon Award recipient.
As we previously reported, Ariana Grande will be honored with the Woman of the Year Award.
Additional honorees will be announced within the coming weeks. Billboard’s 13th annual Women in Music event takes place on December 6th.