News

Today, global music authority Billboard announced that Doechii will receive the prestigious 2025 Woman of the Year Award at the Women in Music event taking place on Saturday, March 29 at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, CA. Hosted by Emmy® nominee, Laverne Cox, the star-studded evening will air LIVE on VIZIO WatchFree+ at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET and honor the most influential women in music spanning artists and industry leaders with inspiring performances, awards, and tributes. 

The Tampa-born, L.A.-based rapper/singer/etc. is one of the most dynamic of her generation, as compelling delivering blunt bars over boom bap as she is cooing affirmations over astral jazz, barking orders over blistering house, or seducing over a radio-conquering R&B jam. In many ways — commercially, critically, personally — Bites is the culmination of the Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records innovator’s wild rise. In 2023 alone: Doechii scored her first RIAA Platinum® plaque and Billboard Hot 100 hit with the viral, “No Scrubs”-sampling “What It Is (Block Boy).” She turned heads again with Eurodance/rap hybrid “Alter Ego,” featuring JT. Next, she played Coachella’s main stage, popped in to perform on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, and hit the road with Doja Cat. Before the year was out, she was named a RISING STAR among Women in Music by Billboard (joining Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, et al.), and showed off her acting chops in A24 film Earth Mama. But that was then. More recently, Kendrick Lamar co-signed Doechii as “the hardest out,” Killer Mike said she’s “going to change music forever,” Tyler, the Creator tapped her for Chromakopia, Variety’s Hitmakers gave her the Hip-Hop Disrupter award, and countless critical institutions put Bites on their best-of-2024 lists. She also revealed herself to be a performer par excellence, not only selling out a headlining US/UK/EU tour, but also bringing complex choreo to Colbert, a 10-piece band to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, and a truly jaw-dropping production to the 2025 GRAMMY Awards (where she was also nominated for Best Rap Performance and Best New Artist). Ultimately, though, what’s most impressive about Doechii isn’t simply that she excels at literally every form she explores. It’s that she is at home in her artistry, wherever it takes her.

"After receiving the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award in 2023,  Doechii is taking pop culture by storm, this year becoming the third woman in history to win a Grammy best rap album, and dazzling fans of every musical genre with her breathtaking performances, ultra-candid lyrics and utterly unique sound, style and spirit,” said Hannah Karp, Editor-in-Chief of Billboard. "We are thrilled to celebrate Doechii and cheer on her continued success." 

Billboard’s Woman of the Year Award has become one of the music industry’s highest honors. Past recipients include Karol G, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. Doechii won the Rising Star award at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music event. She is just the third woman to progress from the Rising Star award to Woman of the Year, following Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.

Doechii joins previously announced lineup of powerhouse women shaping the music landscape.  aespa will receive the Group of the Year Award; Ángela Aguilar will receive the Breakthrough Award; Erykah Badu will receive the Icon Award; GloRilla will receive the Powerhouse Award; Gracie Abrams will receive the Songwriter of the Year Award; JENNIE will receive the Global Force Award; Megan Moroney will receive the Rulebreaker Award presented by Crown Royal Whisky; Meghan Trainor will receive the Hitmaker Award; Muni Long will receive the Rising Star Award presented by Honda Stage; and Tyla will receive the Impact Award presented by Bose. 

Newly announced presenters Becky G and Suki Waterhouse will join previously announced presenters Julia Michaels, Kali Uchis, Madison Beer, Mickey Guyton, Summer Walker, Tanner Adell, and Zara Larsson. Previously announced performers include Ángela Aguilar, aespa, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long and Tyla, with additional performers and presenters to be announced in the coming weeks. 

In addition, as Billboard’s global partners have expanded Women in Music with new events launched around the world, ANNA, named Billboard Italy Woman of the Year at its inaugural ceremony, and Charlotte Cardin, honored as the latest Billboard Canada Woman of the Year by Billboard Canada, will be celebrated as Global Women of the Year.

VIZIO WatchFree+ will be the exclusive home to the Billboard Women in Music 2025 live channel and on-demand collection from March 17 – April 5, with the LIVE show airing free on March 29 at 10pm ET / 7pm PT on VIZIO TVs and in the VIZIO mobile app. The channel and on demand collection will give viewers an inside look at the inspiring women artists shaping the music industry, featuring in-depth interviews, in-studio sessions with artists, episodic series, and more. 

VIZIO TV owners can watch Billboard Women in Music 2025 and the LIVE event by opening the WatchFree+ app on their TV.  For those who do not have a VIZIO TV, anyone can download the free VIZIO mobile app to their mobile device, click on the WatchFree+ button in the bottom row menu, and tune into the Billboard Women in Music 2025 channel.

Tickets are on-sale now at Ticketmaster.com. Prices will start at $89.00. Tables are also available to purchase, please contact joe.maimone@billboard.com for additional information.

Sponsors for the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event include Official Whisky Partner Crown Royal, HarbourView Equity Partners, Bose presenter of the Impact Award, Sol De Janeiro, and Honda Stage presenter of the Rising Star Award. 

For sponsorship opportunities please contact estepankovsky@billboard.com and psturchio@billboard.com. 

Follow Billboard on Social Media

• Instagram: @billboard 
• X: @billboard 
• TikTok: @billboard 
• Facebook: @billboard

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MEDIA CREDENTIAL APPLICATION & ASSETS

2025 Billboard Women in Music Awards Media Credential Application: HERE

Press Kit (Sizzle Reel, Logos, Talent Graphics): HERE

This event is not affiliated with Women in Music, a non-profit organization committed to advancing equality, visibility and opportunities for women in the musical arts through education, support, empowerment and recognition. To support the work of Women in Music please visit https://www.womeninmusic.org/. 

ABOUT BILLBOARD 

Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning more than a dozen countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious Billboard Music Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year's ceremony, as Billboard's chart data measures fans' engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, BillboardLatin Music Week, and Billboard Live, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe.

‍ABOUT VIZIO 

Founded and headquartered in Orange County, California, our mission at VIZIO is to deliver immersive entertainment and compelling lifestyle enhancements that make our products the center of the connected home. We are driving the future of televisions through our integrated platform of cutting-edge Smart TVs and powerful operating system. We also offer a portfolio of innovative sound bars that deliver consumers an elevated audio experience. Our platform gives content providers more ways to distribute their content and advertisers more tools to connect with the right audience. 

‍ABOUT YOUTUBE THEATER

YouTube Theater is a 6,000-seat performance venue located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination in Inglewood Calif., being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. The state-of-the-art theater is a 227,000 square foot, three-story indoor venue situated under the same roof canopy as SoFi Stadium and American Airlines Plaza. The venue can be configured to house three different crowd capacities, including intimate settings with minimum capacities of 3,400 and 4,400. Equipped with premium finishes throughout, the venue ranked among the Top 10 venues in the world for top-grossing concert and live event ticket sales in 2024, and was named 2025 West Coast Theater or Club of the Year by Billboard.  Opened in August 2021, YouTube Theater is equipped to host a variety of events, including concerts, awards shows, boxing, esports competitions, community gatherings, conferences and more.

‍ABOUT HARBOURVIEW EQUITY PARTNERS

HarbourView Equity Partners is an investment firm, founded by Sherrese Clarke Soares, focused on opportunities to support premium content across the entertainment, sports, and media markets. The firm seeks businesses or assets powered by IP and investment opportunities that aim to build enduring value and returns. HarbourView has been extremely active since launching in 2021, amassing roughly $1.45 billion* in regulatory assets under management including over 70+ music catalogs to date and investments in two media production companies, MACRO and Mucho Mas Media, both with a mission to center premium storytelling. The firm's distinctly diverse music portfolio features thousands of titles spanning numerous genres, eras, and artists, amounting to a diversified catalog of ~31,000+ songs across both master recordings and publishing income streams. The company is headquartered in Newark, NJ.

*Regulatory AUM is as of 12/31/23; RAUM for private funds is calculated regardless of the nature of the gross assets under management. This includes any uncalled committed capital pursuant to an obligation to make a capital contribution to the fund.

‍ABOUT HONDA STAGE

Honda Stage is a music platform that builds on the brand’s deep foundation of celebrating determined artists and their journeys while bringing unique music experiences to fans. Honda Stage offers exclusive, behind-the-scenes music content and inspirational stories from on-the-rise and fan-favorite artists, giving music fans access to the moments they love while celebrating the creativity and drive it takes to make it big.

‍ABOUT BOSE CORPORATION

Bose is world renowned for its premium audio solutions for the home, on the go, and in the car. Since its founding in 1964 by Dr. Amar Bose, the company has been dedicated to delivering amazing sound experiences through innovation. And its passionate employees — engineers, researchers, music fanatics, and dreamers — have remained committed to the belief that sound is the most powerful force on earth; its ability to transform, transport, and make us feel alive. For 60 years, this belief has driven us to create products that have become iconic, changing the way people listen to music.

ABOUT CROWN ROYAL
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by the King and Queen of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth and elegant flavor was an exceptionally generous gift fit for royalty. Its gift-worthy presentation reflects its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.

ABOUT DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Juliotequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

ABOUT SOL DE JANEIRO 

Launched in 2015, SOL DE JANEIRO is a globally recognized, award-winning beauty brand, drawing inspiration from Brazil’s beauty rituals, warmth, and spirit. SOL DE JANEIRO delivers a sensory experience beloved by multi-generational consumers worldwide, with clinically proven results, transformative textures, and transportive fragrances. The brand has earned high-profile honors, including being named one of TIME100’s 2024 Most Influential Companies, Fast Company’s 2024 World's Most Innovative Companies, and WWD Beauty Inc’s Power Brands of 2024, underscoring its leadership in the beauty industry and outstanding workplace. Available at premium international retailers like Sephora and online at soldejaneiro.com, SOL DE JANEIRO is rooted in the belief that beauty is an attitude, not a standard. 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Penske Media Corporation

Lydia Baskharoon, lbaskharoon@pmc.com 

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Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis

Abi O’Donnell, Pipere Boggio, Bridget Cirone, Tammy Nguyen 

billboardWIMpr@ssmandl.com

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Today, Billboard unveiled the exciting opening acts for its star-studded concert series at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, TX. Billboard THE STAGE at SXSW will feature an incredible roster of emerging talent alongside the previously announced headliners: Koe Wetzel, Grupo Frontera, and John Summit. The concert series will take place from March 13-15 at the iconic Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park.

Kicking off the series on March 13, Ashley Cooke will open for Texas-born country sensation Koe Wetzel. On March 14, Majo Aguilar will warm up the crowd for the Música Mexicana powerhouse Grupo Frontera, and on March 15, DJ Nala will get the party started before globally-renowned dance music artist John Summit takes the stage to close out the weekend with his high-energy beats.

Ticket Information:

Tickets for Billboard THE STAGE at SXSW are now on sale via Ticketmaster with a reserved amount exclusively for existing SXSW Platinum and Music Badge holders, and SXSW Music Festival wristband holders. 

Don't miss your chance to experience these incredible performances live! For more information and to purchase tickets, please click HERE. 

Additional Experiences:

• Carnival Cruise Line will provide an exciting Celebration Key-inspired experience at THE STAGE, complete with themed pedicabs and a tropical paradise zone at the venue.
• Azzaro Parfums will offer a fragrance sampling station throughout the event, where guests will have the opportunity to explore Azzaro’s iconic WANTED collection, experiencing signature scents in an interactive, hands-on environment.
• Bulleit Frontier Whiskey will be on site to toast music’s movers and shakers of SXSW with their Frontier Whiskey lounge accessible to guests 21+. The lounge will feature a private bar and place to relax between sets as well as a whiskey sampling and custom signature cocktails at all concessions.
• In partnership with REVERB, one lucky winner will receive a VIP trip to SXSW, including access to THE STAGE @ SXSW, a meet-and-greet with Koe Wetzel, and more. To enter the contest, please visit prizeo.com/Koe.

If you are interested in covering Billboard THE STAGE at SXSW in Austin, please reach out to Lydia Baskharoon at lbaskharoon@pmc.com. 

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Follow Billboard on Social Media 

Instagram: @billboard @billboardlatin @billboarddance @billboardcountry

X: @billboard @billboardlatin @billboarddance

TikTok: @billboard 

Facebook: @billboard @billboardlatin @billboarddance @billboardcountry

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ABOUT BILLBOARD 

Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning more than a dozen countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious Billboard Music Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year's ceremony, as Billboard's chart data measures fans' engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and Billboard Live, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe.

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Media Contacts:  

Penske Media Corporation/Billboard 

Lydia Baskharoon, lbaskharoon@pmc.com  

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SXSW

Benjamin Perez, benjamin@sxsw.com

Fans are Invited to Access the Best Tickets Available for this Unforgettable, Star-Studded Country Music Event Through the ACM Awards Pre-Sale Starting on Tuesday, February 18; Pre-Sale Tickets are Available by Signing up for a Free Fan Membership Newsletter at ACM A-List

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General On-Sale Starts Friday, February 21 at 10:00 a.m. CT at SeatGeek

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Today, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) announced ticket on-sale information for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards which will take place Thursday, May 8, live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. The 60th ACM Awards will stream LIVE exclusively on Prime Video. Hosted by entertainment icon Reba McEntire, the ACM Awards continues to give fans around the world an exclusive invitation to a Country Music show sixty years in the making, featuring performances by the greatest Country Music stars of the past, present, and future. 

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• ACM A-LIST TICKET PRE-SALE: Tickets will be available for ACM A-List subscribers starting Tuesday, February 18. To gain access to presale tickets before they go on sale to the general public, sign up for the ACM A-List free email newsletter and you’ll be sent a pre-sale code that will grant you access to purchase tickets in advance of the public on-sale.

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• GENERAL PUBLIC TICKET ON-SALE: Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 11:00 a.m. ET/10:00 a.m. CT/8:00 a.m. PT on Friday, February 21 at SeatGeek. Prices start as low as $100 before taxes and fees. 

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“This year’s ACM Awards is a celebration sixty years in the making, and we plan to make it one of the biggest and best shows yet!” said ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. “The 60th ACM Awards will mark our third consecutive year at Ford Center in The Star District, home of the Dallas Cowboys in Frisco, Texas, and we can’t wait to bring the ACM Awards back to the loyal Country Music fan base in Texas, and to those watching all around the globe on Amazon Prime Video. With Reba at the helm as our host, we’ll be commemorating the legends of Country Music while honoring the biggest and brightest stars of today.”

“The bar has been set very high during the first two years of hosting Country Music’s  Party of the Year,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “I think we all agree, though, that the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards’ 60th show is going to exceed that bar. Having an amazing icon of music and entertainment in Reba back for another year as host just sets this up to be one of the best ever and the Ford Center will be home to Country Music’s biggest and brightest stars once again.”

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The 60th ACM Awards marks a return to Frisco, Texas for the third consecutive year, after two years of unforgettable moments, including acknowledging the top artists in the genre, and bringing superstar collaborations to the ACM Awards stage. Ford Center at The Star in Frisco opened in 2016 and serves as the state-of-the-art practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys, as well as the home for many major sporting events throughout the year. 2023’s ACM Awards was the first awards show to take place at Ford Center.

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The 2024 show, also hosted by Reba McEntire, was a two-hour concert event which streamed live globally on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. The night featured an all-star lineup of memorable moments, including 18 show-stopping performances from 19 artists, including Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, Chris Stapleton and Dua Lipa, Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne, Parker McCollum, Post Malone, Reba McEntire, Thomas Rhett, and Tigirlily Gold. 

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The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Raj Kapoor is executive producer and showrunner, with Patrick Menton as co-executive producer. Jay Penske and Barry Adelman serve as executive producers for DCP, and Damon Whiteside serves as executive producer for the Academy of Country Music. John Saade will also continue to serve as consulting producer for Amazon MGM Studios.

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Additional details, including nominees, performers, and ticketing information about additional ACM events surrounding the awards will all be announced in the coming months. 

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About the Academy of Country Music       

Founded in Southern California in 1964 as a regional trade organization, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) has grown in the 60 years since into a leading association for the Country Music industry. Headquartered in Nashville, TN and boasting record-high membership of more than 5,000 worldwide, the Academy serves as a powerhouse advocate for Country fans, artists, and all facets of the business, as well as a supporter of philanthropic work through charitable partner ACM LIFTING LIVES, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music and providing aid in times of need, with a focus on health initiatives. 2025 is a landmark year for the Academy with the 60th ACM Awards, hosted by entertainment icon Reba McEntire, returning to the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas for a third consecutive year and streaming live for a global audience on Prime Video. The Academy also remains relentlessly committed to creating a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in Country Music, from the boardroom to the stage, and proudly presents ACM LEVel Up, a two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum for rising leaders, among other initiatives. For more information, visit ACMcountry.com or ACMLiftingLives.org. 

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About Dick Clark Productions 

Dick Clark Productions (DCP) is the world's largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming including the "Academy of Country Music Awards," "American Music Awards," "Billboard Music Awards," "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest," “Golden Globes,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” from 19 Entertainment and DCP, and “Streamy Awards.” Dick Clark Productions owns one of the world's most extensive and unique entertainment archive libraries with more than 60 years of award-winning shows, historic specials, performances, and legendary programming. Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge. Dick Clark Productions is a Penske Media company. For more information, please visit DickClark.com. 

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About Prime Video

Prime Video is a first-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one app available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can customize their viewing experience and find their favorite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports – including Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Red One, Road House, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, Cross, and The Idea of You; licensed fan favorites; Prime member exclusive access to coverage of live sports including Thursday Night Football, WNBA, and NWSL, and acclaimed sports documentaries including Bye Bye Barry and Kelce; and programming from partners such as Apple TV+, Max, Crunchyroll and MGM+ via Prime Video add-on subscriptions, as well as more than 500 free ad-supported (FAST) Channels. Prime members in the U.S. can share a variety of benefits, including Prime Video, by using Amazon Household. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles via the Prime Video Store, and can enjoy even more content for free with ads. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favorite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.amazon.com/primevideo. 

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About The Star

The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and training facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco, Frisco ISD and the Dallas Cowboys, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat indoor stadium and entertainment venue that hosts Frisco ISD football games, concerts, the prestigious Academy of Country Music Awards, the Dallas Open – an official ATP 500 tournament, and other special events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; the Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; Twelve Cowboys Way, a 17-story, luxury residential tower in partnership between Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Quarterback #12 Roger Staubach, and Dallas-based developer and former Dallas Cowboys center, Robert Shaw; Formation, a dynamic coworking experience offering a collaborative work environment of open workspace, dedicated desks and private offices; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options throughout The Star District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

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59th ACM Awards Electronic Press Kit

Show Clips HERE; EPK/Video Footage/Photos HERE

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Prime Video Social Handles:

Amazon Prime Video Instagram: @PrimeVideo Twitter: @PrimeVideo

The Academy of Country Music

Twitter: @ACMawards Instagram: @ACMawards Facebook: @AcademyofCountryMusic

TikTok: @ACMAwards #ACMawards

Media Contacts:

Academy of Country Music

Jesse Knutson, jesse@acmcountry.com

Lexi Cothran, lexi.cothran@acmcountry.com

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Dick Clark Productions 

Gina Sorial, gsorial@dickclark.com

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Amazon Studios/Prime Video

Leshelle Sargent, Leshelle.Sargent@amazonstudios.com

Paige DuBois, Paige.Dubois@amazonstudios.com

Salem Hawatmeh, Salem.Hawatmeh@amazonstudios.com

Mekeisha Madden Toby, Mekeisha.MaddenToby@amazonstudios.com

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Penske Media Corporation (PMC), the leading global media, live events and data analytics company, recently released findings from their pop culture study, Power of Shared Cultural Connections. The study explores the powerful impact of shared cultural moments and immersive events on consumer engagement, revealing that these experiences resonate profoundly with audiences, foster lifelong memories and community bonds, and offer brands a unique opportunity to cultivate loyalty and engagement through these immersive events.

“At PMC, our research shows that brands have a unique opportunity to be a part of cultural moments by engaging in shared experiences which forge deep emotional connections and loyalty that traditional media channels cannot match,” said Dan Owen, EVP, GM, Strategic Solutions Group at PMC. “As a conduit for creating these collective experiences, PMC helps our partners tap into the power of pop culture and immersive events, embedding themselves in the memories that shape fandoms.”

Key takeaways from the “Power of Shared Cultural Connections” study include:

Major pop culture experiences are a pathway to lifelong memories and provide the thrill of unexpected connection. At a moment in time when much of the world is more isolated than ever, audiences want moments that fuel gratitude and bring us closer to ourselves and each other. 77% say major pop culture experiences are a source of lifelong memories, and 72% seek out pop culture events that offer immersion into the worlds of their favorite shows, movies and artists (86% among Gen Z respondents).

Shared cultural experiences are powerful community builders, particularly when they resonate deeply with the audience’s passions and interests. The more personal and human the stories surrounding the moment are, the more impactful it becomes. 63% seek out pop culture experiences that offer deeper connections to personal interests, and 56% of Gen Z respondents say that they seek out pop culture events that offer deeper community connections with like-minded fans. 

Events are always in the plans. 92% plan to attend or wish to attend pop cultural events, including music, film, and art festivals, concerts, immersive experiences and exhibits, in the next year.

Award shows are a vital part of pop culture, connecting us with our favorite artists and acting as a unifying force that creates memorable historical moments. 87% of audiences identify as being“obsessed” or “casual” fans of major award shows. Award shows foster community, with 58% saying they talk to their friends and family about them.

Brands have an incredible power as the facilitators of shared cultural connection. Creating exclusive access that brings fans closer to those moments, and the artists they love most, yields extreme loyalty. 63% consider themselves a super fan of a musician (80% of Gen Z) with 43% saying that if their favorite music artist wears/endorses something, it influences their purchase decision. Additionally, 52% would feel more loyal to a brand if it provided access to live-streamed cultural events.

The findings of PMC’s Power of Shared Cultural Connections study demonstrate that shared cultural moments profoundly influence consumer engagement. This research highlights the critical role that brands play in facilitating these vital connections and creating experiences that not only build emotional ties but also foster enduring loyalty.

To explore the full details of PMC’s research, download the study at: www.pmc.com/2025popculturereport

Report Methodology

In August 2024, Penske Media Corporation (PMC) surveyed a highly targeted segment of 1200 engaged, pop-culturally aware individuals to explore their interest and interaction with live experiences, events, and key cultural moments; as well as the significance these hold for fans, artists, and the brands that make them happen. This study incorporates a blend of qualitative, quantitative, and first-party data, with a spotlight on distinct generational groups: Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers.

“AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL” SURPASSED 12.9 MILLION IN REACH, AND AVERAGED OVER 6 MILLION VIEWERS, UP +54% MAKING IT THE LARGEST YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH OF A MUSIC SPECIAL OR AWARD SHOW ON TELEVISION IN 2024 

65 MILLION Views Generated Across Social Media Platforms Since the Show's Airdate on 10/6

• The American Music Awards 50th star-studded Anniversary Special, which aired coast to coast on Sunday, October 6 on CBS, was the most-watched entertainment program of the day, second only to the NFL, and surpassing the MLB Playoffs and NASCAR

• The star-studded special surpassed 12.9M in reach. 

• An average of over 6M viewers enthusiastically tuned in to the broadcast, an increase of +54% from the last show in 2022 on ABC making it the largest YoY growth of a music special or award show in the world, and cementing its place as the second largest music awards show in America in 2024. 

• The AMAs 50th Anniversary Special ranked the #1 entertainment program on CBS for the month of October.  

• Social content for the 50th anniversary special garnered more than 65 MILLION cross-platform views since the show’s airdate on 10/6. 

• This year's American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special is also the most-streamed AMAs in the show's history. 

• The evening celebrated half a century of groundbreaking music with an all-star packed lineup that included Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Green Day, Brad Paisley, Chaka Khan, Sheila E., Gladys Knight, Kane Brown, Nelly, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, RAYE, Stray Kids, AJ McLean, Jimmy Kimmel, Kate Hudson, Lance Bass, Reba McEntire, Samuel L. Jackson, and Smokey Robinson. 

• Harnessing the impact of the AMAs 50th Anniversary Special, the American Music Awards will return in 2025, with the most ambitious fan voted live music awards show honoring the most popular songs and artists of the year, introducing audiences to its next evolution celebrating its American roots and paying tribute to our country's Veterans, Live from Las Vegas, Memorial Day Weekend on CBS.  

‍About Dick Clark Productions  Dick Clark Productions (DCP) is the world's largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming including the "Academy of Country Music Awards," "American Music Awards," "Billboard Music Awards," "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest," “Golden Globes,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” from 19 Entertainment and DCP, and “Streamy Awards.” Dick Clark Productions owns one of the world's most extensive and unique entertainment archive libraries with more than 60 years of award-winning shows, historic specials, performances, and legendary programming. Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge. For more information, please visit DickClark.com.  

‍About CBS  CBS, a subsidiary of Paramount Global, creates and distributes industry-leading content across a variety of platforms to audiences around the world. The Company has businesses with origins that date back to the dawn of the broadcasting age as well as new ventures that operate on the leading edge of media. It includes some of the industry’s most successful and popular brands and businesses: CBS Television Network, CBS News and Stations, CBS Sports, CBS Studios, CBS Media Ventures and CBS digital properties.  

‍About Penske Media Corporation Penske Media Corporation (PMC) is a leading global media and information services company whose award-winning content attracts a passionate monthly audience of more than 350 million. Since 2004, PMC has been a pioneer in digital media and live events, reaching viewers on all screens across its ever-growing constellation of iconic brands, which includes Variety, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Dick Clark Productions, WWD, SHE Media, Robb Report, Deadline, Sportico, BGR, ARTnews, Fairchild Media, Vibe, IndieWire, Artforum, Gold Derby and Luminate, the premier data and analytics company. PMC’s journalists and content creators deliver daily the most comprehensive news and information in their industries and areas of coverage, unequaled in ambition, depth, and courage. In addition, PMC owns several of the most iconic and vital cultural events such as The Golden Globes, Country Music Awards (ACMs), Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, SXSW, American Music Awards (AMAs), LA3C, Life is Beautiful, Latin Music Week, and ATX Television Festival. Penske Media is headquartered in New York and Los Angeles with additional offices in 14 countries worldwide, for more information, please visit www.PMC.com.   

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Los Angeles, CA – August 28, 2024 – Today, CBS and the Golden Globes® announced that acclaimed Emmy®-nominated comedian and actress Nikki Glaser is set to host the 82ND ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES®, the first major award show of the season, airing Sunday, January 5, 2025 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/5:00-8:00 PM, live PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs).*

“I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting the Golden Globes. It’s one of my favorite nights of television and now I get a front row seat (actually, I think I have to host from the stage),” said Glaser. “The Golden Globes is not only a huge night for TV and film, but also for comedy. It’s one of the few times that show business not only allows, but encourages itself to be lovingly mocked (at least I hope so). (God I hope so). It’s an exciting, yet challenging gig because it’s live, unpredictable, and in front of Hollywood’s biggest stars (who also might be getting wasted while seated next to their recent exes).

Glaser continued, “Some of my favorite jokes of all time have come from past Golden Globes opening monologues when Tina, Amy, or Ricky have said exactly what we all didn’t know we desperately needed to hear. I just hope to continue in that time honored tradition (that might also get me canceled). This is truly a dream job. Plus, I no longer have to feel guilty for every TV show and movie I’ve binged over the past year. It was all worth it. (Below Deck: Sailing YachtSeason Four will be nominated, right?)."

"Nikki Glaser brings a fresh and unmatched candor to her comedy and to the Golden Globes," said Jay Penske, Chairman and CEO, of Dick Clark Productions and Penske Media. "Her unapologetic style made her an obvious and compelling choice as host for this year’s event. We're hopeful this could be the first of many Golden Globes that Nikki will surprise and delight our CBS audience, as well as our audiences around the globe."

“The Golden Globes has a rich history as a night for entertaining, provocative humor,” said George Cheeks, Office of the CEO, Paramount Global, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS. “Nikki Glaser is a comedic force whose funny, bold and irreverent comedy will continue that legacy and further establish this special as a can’t miss event on CBS.”

"Nikki Glaser is a comedic powerhouse whose daring and unfiltered humor is the perfect match for the Golden Globes,” said Helen Hoehne, President, Golden Globes. “She is sure to bring a unique energy and spontaneity to the show that will keep the audience entertained all night."

Known for her razor-sharp wit and fearless humor, Nikki Glaser has established herself as one of the funniest voices in comedy today.  In August of this year, the Los Angeles Times boldlydescribed the knock-out comic, “Nikki Glaser is suddenly the hottest name in comedy."  Previously Glaser headlined her first critically-acclaimed HBO comedy special “Good Clean Filth” in 2022, and earned an EMMY nomination for this year’s “Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die,” which set the record for both the best premiere night for an HBO comedy special in more than two years and for the #1 largest streaming audience for a Comedy Special in HBO Max/Max history. In 2021, Glaser launched “The Nikki Glaser Podcast” for iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Podcast Network (BMP). She currently hosts and executive produces “Lovers and Liars,” the spinoff of the hit HBO Max and CW reality dating series “FBoy Island,” which Glaser hosted and executive produced for three seasons. Glaser recently wrapped her global THE GOOD GIRL stand-up tour and is currently on her ALIVE AND UNWELL tour across the country through May 2025.

The Golden Globe Awards, often referred to as “Hollywood’s Party of the Year®,” is the largest awards show in the world to celebrate the best of both film and television. Multi-Emmy Award®-winning producing duo Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner of White Cherry Entertainment (WCE) will return as executive producing showrunners for the 82nd Golden Globes. Dick Clark Productions will plan, host and produce the annual Golden Globes, which has been viewed in more than 185 countries and territories worldwide.  

CBS’ broadcast of the 81ST ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES® on Sunday, January 7, 2024, averaged 10 million viewers (Nielsen Live+7-Day national ratings), up nearly +50% from last year, its largest audience since 2020, making it the 3rd largest televised award show in the world approaching the Grammys and Oscars. The telecast was also the third-largest live-streamed CBS special event on Paramount+ ever in terms of AMA and reach.

Entries for Motion Picture and Television submissions must be completed online HERE, and the deadline is Monday, November 4, 2024.  The awards timetable, rules and categories can be found HERE.  Nominations are set to be announced on Monday, December 9, 2024.

About The Golden Globes®

As a premier entertainment awards show since 1944, the annual Golden Globes has honored achievements in both television and film. Over the last three decades, the Golden Globes has enabled donations of more than $55 million to entertainment-related charities including scholarship programs, film restoration projects and humanitarian efforts. This funding has also supported diverse programs in partnership with advocacy groups aimed at promoting greater access in Hollywood for underserved communities. Dick Clark Productions is the owner and producer of the Golden Globe Awards. For more information on the Golden Globes, please visitwww.GoldenGlobes.com and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and in Spanish on X andFacebook.

About Dick Clark Productions

Dick Clark Productions (DCP) is the world's largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming including the "Academy of Country Music Awards," "American Music Awards," "Billboard Music Awards," "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest," “Golden Globes,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” from 19 Entertainment and DCP, and “Streamy Awards.” Dick Clark Productions owns one of the world's most extensive and unique entertainment archive libraries with more than 60 years of award-winning shows, historic specials, performances, and legendary programming. Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge. For more information, please visit DickClark.com

About CBS

CBS, a subsidiary of Paramount Global, creates and distributes industry-leading content across a variety of platforms to audiences around the world. The Company has businesses with origins that date back to the dawn of the broadcasting age as well as new ventures that operate on the leading edge of media. It includes some of the industry’s most successful and popular brands and businesses: CBS Television Network, CBS News and Stations, CBS Sports, CBS Studios, CBS Media Ventures and CBS digital properties

About Penske Media Corporation      

Penske Media Corporation (PMC) is a leading global media and information services company whose award-winning content attracts a passionate monthly audience of more than 350 million. Since 2004, PMC has been a pioneer in digital media and live events, reaching viewers on all screens across its ever-growing constellation of iconic brands, which includes Variety, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Dick Clark Productions, WWD, SHE Media, Robb Report, Deadline, Sportico, BGR, ARTnews, Fairchild Media, Vibe, IndieWire, Artforum, Gold Derby and Luminate, the premier data and analytics company. PMC’s journalists and content creators deliver daily the most comprehensive news and information in their industries and areas of coverage, unequaled in ambition, depth, and courage. In addition, PMC owns several of the most iconic and vital cultural events such as the Golden Globes, Country Music Awards (ACMs), Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), New Year’s Rockin Eve, SXSW, American Music Awards (AMAs), LA3C, Life is Beautiful, Latin Music Week, and ATX Television Festival. Penske Media is headquartered in New York and Los Angeles with additional offices in 14 countries worldwide, for more information, please visit www.PMC.com

*Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

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Today, CBS and Dick Clark Productions (DCP) announced that the American Music Awards (AMAs) are set to commemorate half a century of iconic moments, unforgettable performances, and rich pop culture history with a two-hour broadcast, AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, airing concurrently on both coasts, at 8:00-10:00 PM, ET/5:00-7:00 PM PT on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs)*.

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL will serve as a tribute to the past 50 years and feature dazzling new performances, heartfelt artist interviews, legendary special guests, and exclusive never-before-seen footage from DCP’s extensive archives, highlighting iconic moments that have defined the awards show and shaped pop culture.  

The program will feature themed highlights from AMAs’ expansive show archives, each culminating with an original performance or artist interview. Segments will look back on the evolution of specific artists and genres at the AMAs, as well as award and performance milestones. The performances, created just for AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, will include collaborations, debuts from today’s hottest stars and appearances from AMAs legends. Performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Additionally, the American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted award show, is pleased to announce its return in May 2025.  

Created by legendary producer and visionary Dick Clark and first awarded in 1974, the AMAs celebrate the year’s top achievements in music determined by the fans, for the fans.  AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL is produced by Dick Clark Productions.

American Music Awards / Social Media

Website: TheAMAs.com
X: @AMAs
Instagram: @AMAs

TikTok: @AMAs

Facebook: @AMAs

YouTube: @TheAMAs

Hashtag: #AMAs

*Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream the show live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

About Dick Clark Productions

Dick Clark Productions (DCP) is the world's largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming including the "Academy of Country Music Awards," "American Music Awards," "Billboard Music Awards," "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest," “Golden Globe Awards,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” from 19 Entertainment and DCP, and “Streamy Awards.” Dick Clark Productions owns one of the world's most extensive and unique entertainment archive libraries with more than 60 years of award-winning shows, historic specials, performances, and legendary programming. Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge. For more information, please visit DickClark.com.

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