The Women In Music Awards has honoured incredible executives, songwriters and artists at the 2026 edition of the ceremony.
The hugely popular event was once again sold out weeks in advance. This year’s edition returned to the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London (October 9) with an audience of industry leaders and some famous faces presenting and winning awards, including Artist Impact victor Jade and Inspirational Artist Shirley Manson (resplendent in a striking gown) who received her trophy from a former First Minister of Scotland.
The ceremony, which was co-founded by Alison Wenham and Lara Baker in 2014, is staged in association with UK Music and AIM. TikTok was the headline sponsor.
As well as the winners, Roll Of Honour inductees and award presenters, executives in attendance included Universal Music Group UK CEO & chairman Dickon Stainer, Sony Music UK CEO & chairman Jason Iley, Decca president Laura Monks, Sony Music Publishing president & co-MD Tim Major, UMPG MD UK and head of global A&R David Gray, Columbia MD Amy Wheatley, Amazon Music head of music (UK/ANZ) Laura Lukanz, Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton, ADA EMEA head Howard Corner, and many more from across the industry.
For the 2026 ceremony, we welcomed a new Women In Music Awards host – Clara Amfo. The award-winning broadcaster, podcaster and TV presenter helmed the ceremony in its 12th year.
In addition to the Women In Music category awards, there were a further 16 inductees to the Roll Of Honour in association with Live Music Women. The Roll Of Honour celebrates ‘game changers’ in the music industry. You can read about the 2026 Roll Of Honour here (or scroll down to see all this year's winners and honourees), including posthumous recognition for beloved radio plugger and Thirty Three Music founder Mel Rudder.
The ceremony also paid tribute to MOBO founder Kanya King (with the special award collected by Nova Twins) and Alexi Cory-Smith (honoured by Bella Figura co-founder Neelesh Prabhu), two hugely influential female executives who were members of the Roll Of Honour.
“What she built was not just an institution but an argument – a 30-year insistence that Black music was not a subculture, not a genre, not a niche, but the beating heart of British culture," said King's friend Claudia Webbe, who described her as “extraordinarily brave” during her treatment for cancer.
Paying tribute to Alexi Cory-Smith, Prabhu said Bella Figura colleagues are “determined to build on her legacy” as he summed up a life well lived by an executive who had a series of big achievements during her career.
There was also a heartfelt tribute to radio plugger Mel Rudder, who was posthumously inducted into the Roll Of Honour, from Linda Maitland, Ebony Rhiney-James and her mother, Sherlene Rudder.
The ceremony kicked off with acknowledgement of the contribution of a key player in the thriving live music sector. To huge cheers, CAA agent Summer Marshall was presented with the Live Music Inspiration award (sponsored by O2) by chart-topping artist Maisie Peters, who’s booked to play The O2 as part of the venue’s 20th birthday line-up in 2027.
“She will give her all, she will be there, because that’s the kind of person and agent she is,” said Peters of the “most hardcore person I know”.
“We’ve achieved so much together and there’s so much more we’re going to build,” said Summer Marshall, whose victory was applauded by her family including Korda Marshall, her father.
Women In Music supports music talent with the highly coveted New Artist trophy (sponsored by PRS For Music and PRS Foundation), previously collected by Rina Sawayama, Nova Twins, Alt Blk Era and more. Our deserving winners for 2026 are DAMEDAME*, who arrived on stage to their track Fire Burnin’ Thru The Rain having received supportive messages on video from Jorja Smith, Tim Blacksmith, P2J and more.
The duo acknowledged the support of Tim & Danny Music, Sony Music Publishing and Robots + Humans.
The ceremony also recognises a music industry Rising Star. Sponsored by Believe & Tunecore, this category was awarded to Black Lives In Music project manager Mica Sefia, who was presented with her trophy by the organisation’s CEO Charisse Beaumont.
"Her wisdom is beyond her years," she said. "Mica, you've helped so many people find their place in this industry.”
Music Creative: Spirit Of The Studio (sponsored by Downtown) recognises a woman who’s made a significant contribution to creating music behind the scenes. Previous winners include Ines Dunn, Jin Jin, Karen Poole, Kamille and more. For 2026, there was long overdue recognition for Miranda Cooper, who as part of hitmakers Xenomania was behind songs from hugely successful acts including Girls Aloud, Pet Shop Boys, Sugababes, Kylie Minogue, Maisie Peters, Jessie Ware, Gabriella Cilmi, The Saturdays and more.
Tributes on video poured in from artists including Neil Tennant, Alesha Dixon, Jessie Ware and Cheryl, as well as Xenomania collaborator Brian Higgins and Atlantic co-president (and husband) Ed Howard with their children.
“I've never been singly recognised by the industry, so this means an enormous amount,” said Cooper in a witty speech that chronicled her career to date, including the breakthrough with No.1 Round Round by Sugababes.
“A special mention for Girls Aloud for putting their trust in us so completely, we wouldn’t be here without them,” added Cooper.
The hitmaker also acknowledged the struggles faced by mothers in the industry.
“There's too little support to help them get back into what we all know is essentially a male-designed world,” she said.
"Miranda’s contribution to pop music is extraordinary," said Warner Chappell UK MD and head of international A&R Shani Gonzales. "From writing defining, record-breaking hits to shaping the careers of iconic artists, her creativity and sharp instincts remain second to none. She represents the absolute gold standard of songwriting. Everyone at Warner Chappell is delighted to see her recognised with this award."
Broadcast talent was recognised in the Music Champion category (sponsored by Fever/Dice) with Mary Anne Hobbs presented with the award by fellow BBC 6 Music presenter Jamz Supernova.
"She's a friend, she's a mentor, she's a champion," said Jamz Supernova. "I couldn't be doing what I do if Mary Anne hadn't done it first."
“She’s my Peel,” she added – a reference to the frequent tributes paid to the late broadcaster John Peel.
We Are The Unheard CEO Eve Horne collected the DE&I Initiative Of The Year award (sponsored by the BPI) in recognition of the organisation’s work addressing the gender gap in music production and songwriting. Her song camps have supported mothers in the music industry.
Charisse Beaumont described her “trailblazing” impact on the video tributes, which also featured Horne’s mother and daughter.
“This is a long time coming, you have looked after the unheard for a very long time,” said Ivors Academy CEO Lord Neri.
Horne took to the stage to Who’s That Girl by Eve – dancing with Clara Amfo – and spoke about the challenges in her life and career, as well as the transformative work of We Are The Unheard.
“We exist to make sure other underrepresented people don't face the barriers that I faced and get the support, education and development they need to succeed in this industry,” said Horne. “I'm not on this stage by luck. I'm here because I'm creating my own opportunities and intentionally putting myself in spaces that will never naturally be open to me.”
Change and inclusion is also central to the Campaigner category (sponsored by Spotify EQUAL), which has been part of Women In Music from its first edition. Michelle Escoffery presented the 2026 trophy to Andrea Euell & Nicola Charles Ossai, co-founders and co-directors of Cre8ing Vision, which supports the next generation of industry talent.
“You may be more comfortable doing the work than showing it – but today we see you,” said Escoffery.
“We’re passionate about empowering the next generation, especially women in music,” said Andrea Euell.
“For us, championing diversity, equity and inclusion is at the core of what we do,” said Nicola Charles Ossai.
Another industry duo were recognised in a new category for 2026 – the Partnership award (sponsored by SoundCloud). The inaugural honour went to Niamh Byrne & Régine Moylett, co-founders and directors at Eleven Management. The trophy for “two incredible people” was presented by president & co-managing director UK, SVP international, Sony Music Publishing, David Ventura, who described them as "visionaries, hard workers and achievers”.
With the winning duo having overseen the launch of a new independent era for Gorillaz, it was no surprise that they arrived on stage to the animated band’s hit Dare.
Byrne saluted the team at Eleven Management, as she outlined their vision to “put music and art” at the centre of their business.
Gorillaz now work closely with Eleven Management and The Orchard, whose president and COO Colleen Theis jetted in to receive the International Woman Of The Year award. And it was a timely win with The Orchard client Blossoms having a big chart week.
Noting the air miles she clocks up, Sony Music Group chairman Rob Stringer used the video tribute to describe Theis as a “force of nature in our company” and “pioneering” in an innovative sector of the industry.
“I want to thank Music Week for the incredible honour – I am truly humbled,” said Theis, who described visiting the UK as “coming home” following a previous stint in London.
"Throughout the last 30 years in the business, change has been the one constant,” she told the audience, adding that: “Everybody in this room has a role to play – a vital one – in that future [for music]."
Special Recognition: Unsung Hero has been a popular category since it launched a few years ago. Sponsored by Merlin Engage, the honour this year was awarded to Jo Donnelly, head of press at Proper Music. Paul Burger OBE, founder of Soho Artists and former president of Sony Music Europe, Middle East and Africa, was on hand to present the trophy.
“It’s terrific to see Jo’s passion, dedication and hard work rewarded in this way,” said Drew Hill, managing director of Proper. “Having worked tirelessly to build and develop the careers of artists – from the biggest names in recorded music to breakthrough acts – I can think of no one who deserves this award more.”
“This means the world,” said Donnelly as she reflected on a long career in the industry, paying tribute to the “real rock stars”, her husband and daughter.
As the ceremony entered its final phase, RCA co-president Stacey Tang presented the Artist Impact trophy to Jade as the first ever winner of the new category (sponsored by TikTok). The Little Mix star has seen significant solo success with the release of debut album That’s Showbiz, Baby!, including the hit Angel Of My Dreams. The album secured the biggest opening week for a debut in 2025.
“It has been one of the highlights of my career to see her evolve in such a spectacular fashion over the last few years,” said Tang.
"I've had such a good time today," said Jade. "Sometimes awards shows are really boring, this has been so amazing. I couldn't be prouder to be a woman and to be in such amazing company."
Jade acknowledged fellow winner Miranda Cooper being the first person to praise her for her songwriting abilities, and singled out the support of her mother.
Reflecting on her 15-year career, Jade said: "I've seen my fair share of misogyny and abuse of power, it makes me very angry that I don't know one female artist who hasn't had a similar version of this."
Industry lawyer and entrepreneur Sonia Diwan, co-owner/partner at Sound Advice, was named Businesswoman Of The Year (sponsored by Musixmatch) – returning for industry recognition 12 years on from her Roll Of Honour induction at the first ever ceremony. Clients including Paloma Faith sent messages of support via video.
“Being recognised as a businesswoman is really important to me,” said Diwan, as she reflected on the 18 years of growth for the company she co-founded with Robert Horsfall. Diwan dedicated the award to her friend Alexi Cory-Smith.
The penultimate award for Inspirational Artist (sponsored by Vevo) went to the inimitable Shirley Manson of Garbage. The star was honoured by fellow Scot Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland. The award has gone to some big names in recent years including Tori Amos, Mel C and FKA Twigs.
Sturgeon celebrated Manson’s “more than four decades blazing trails, breaking through barriers and making truly exceptional art”
The video included tributes from Debbie Harry, Bobby Gillespie, Catherine Marks, Alison Donald, her longtime A&R Korda Marshall, Butch Vig, Skin from Skunk Anansie, Thurston Moore, Jo Whiley, Jo Power, Christina Hendricks and Irvine Welsh.
“To see so many women under one roof is something that, when I was born in the ‘60s, I could never have imagined,” said Manson. “I need to remind you of the power you all hold.”
“There’s so much work to be done so let’s get to it,” she added, noting that “music touches people in ways that politics don’t – please forgive me Nicola Sturgeon”.
Speaking of big names, for the conclusion of the ceremony there was a much-deserved win in the Outstanding Contribution category for Capitol UK president Jo Charrington, following a year of spectacular success with Olivia Dean and a storied industry career. Introduced by former colleague and founder of NWS Music, Nick Raphael, the trophy was presented by Capitol star Sam Smith.
Industry leaders and artists (along with Charrington’s daughters) paid tribute on video, including Universal Music Group CEO & chairman Sir Lucian Grainge, Universal Music Group UK CEO & chairman Dickon Stainer, Republic’s Monte and Avery Lipman, and artists including Olivia Dean, Lemar, Sam Smith, Olly Murs, Bastille’s Dan Smith, Another Level’s Dane Bowers and Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride.
“Outstanding contribution, that just about sums it up – very appropriate,” said Sir Lucian. “Thank you for everything you do.”
Presenting the award, Sam Smith described Charrington as “outstanding” and “inspiring”, noting her dedication to artists.
“Nick saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” recalled Charrington in her acceptance speech. “He believed in me when others didn’t.”
She also acknowledged Sam Smith’s “extraordinary global success story” – “you are truly a once-in-a-lifetime artist,” added Charrington.
“I was genuinely blown away and I still am,” said Charrington of the award. “The timing feels really good. We’ve had an amazing time with the success of Olivia.”
The Universal Music executive credited the efforts of artists, managers, songwriters and colleagues, and acknowledged her mother Valerie Charrington – ”my original woman in music”.
Charrington named a series of inspirational women, as well as singling out colleagues at Universal including Rebecca Allen and Nickie Owen, president of international marketing and a Roll Of Honour inductee for 2026.
Looking back on the 2022-24 period when she ran EMI with Allen, Charrington said: “It was tough but incredible. Our skills complemented each other and I’m very proud of what we achieved.”
Saluting Nickie Owen, Charrington described her as “unflappable, incredibly smart and quietly brilliant”.
Concluding with a quote from journalist Katty Kay at a The Rest Is Politics event, Charrington told the audience: “You’re better than you think you are. I realised how important that message is.”
As well as headline and Artist Impact sponsor TikTok and Roll Of Honour support Live Nation Women, our sponsors this year included Believe & Tunecore, BPI, Downtown, Fever/Dice, Merlin Engage, Musixmatch, O2, PRS For Music, PRS Foundation, Punch, SoundCloud, Spotify EQUAL, Vevo and Virgin Music.
PHOTOS: Louise Haywood-Schiefer
WOMEN IN MUSIC 2026 WINNERS
Live Music Inspiration – Summer Marshall (Sponsored by O2)
New Artist Award – DAMEDAME* (Sponsored by PRS for Music and PRS Foundation)
Music Creative: Spirit Of The Studio – Miranda Cooper (Sponsored by Downtown)
Rising Star – Mica Sefia (Sponsored by Believe and TuneCore)
Music Champion – Mary Anne Hobbs (Sponsored by Fever/Dice)
DE&I Initiative – Eve Horne (Sponsored by BPI)
Campaigner – Andrea Euell & Nicola Charles Ossai (Sponsored by Spotify)
Partnership Award (New for 2026) – Niamh Byrne & Régine Moylett (Sponsored by SoundCloud)
Special Recognition: Unsung Hero – Jo Donnelly (Sponsored by Merlin Engage)
International Woman – Colleen Theis
Artist Impact (New for 2026) – Jade (Sponsored by TikTok)
Businesswoman – Sonia Diwan (Sponsored by Musixmatch)
Inspirational Artist – Shirley Manson (Sponsored by Vevo)
Outstanding Contribution – Jo Charrington
Women In Music Roll Of Honour (Sponsored by Live Nation Women)
Alexandra Ampofo
Promotor, Metropolis Music
Channette Carleo
Head of Content, KISS
Jessica Carsen
Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, Sony Music UK & Ireland
Ruth Collett
Artist & Label Partnerships Lead, Spotify
Alice Frost
General Manager, ADA
Jackie Joseph
General Counsel, Blue Raincoat Music
Rose Moon
Artist Manager, September
Nickie Owen
President, International Marketing, Universal Music Group UK
Shrina Patel
Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, Merlin
Cookie Pryce
Director, Relationship Manager, The Orchard
Lucy Pullin
Senior Music Crossover Agent, UTA
Louisa Rainbird
Head of Music, Europe, Amazon MGM Studios
Mel Rudder – posthumously awarded
Founder, Thirty Three Music & Radio Plugger
Ree Sewell
Senior Artist & Label Relations Manager, SoundCloud
Lettice Summerscale
VP, Marketing & Communications, UK & International, Sony Music Publishing
Sarah Wilson
Head of UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, TuneCore
