Every year, the She Rocks Awards shines a spotlight on the women making waves across all corners of the music industry.
Founded in 2012 by Laura B. Whitmore under the Women’s International Music Network (WiMN), the awards were designed to honor female trailblazers in an industry that has historically overlooked women’s contributions. Now a staple event of the NAMM Show, the She Rocks Awards continues to elevate women’s voices, honor their achievements, and inspire the next generation of creators, business leaders, and innovators. The 2025 ceremony will also feature live performances from a stellar lineup of artists including Paula Cole, Samantha Fish, Amanda Palmer and Lindsey Stirling.
Why the She Rocks Awards Matter
The She Rocks Awards began as a platform to give overdue recognition to women working across a wide array of roles in music, from performers and composers to executives, engineers, and inventors.
With each ceremony, the awards strive to champion diversity and inclusion while providing a platform for women to connect and collaborate. The event doesn’t just honor artists; it acknowledges women working behind the scenes in recording studios, corporate boardrooms, and technology labs, ensuring the spotlight is shared beyond the stage.
Who’s Being Honored in 2025
This year, the She Rocks Awards will take place on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in the Hilton Anaheim Pacific Ballroom during the NAMM Show. Hosted by celebrated guitarist Jennifer Batten and genre-defying violinist Lindsey Stirling, the evening will include live performances and presentations celebrating this year’s honorees.
The 2025 honorees represent a diverse range of talent, influence, and innovation in music:
AIJIA – A multifaceted artist, songwriter, and vocal producer, AIJIA has collaborated with top acts like Selena Gomez and Anderson .Paak while advocating for women’s equality in music.
LaTrice Burnette – As the EVP of Music/Head of Label at UnitedMasters, Burnette has championed artists like Jay-Z and Kanye West, breaking barriers and mentoring future leaders in the music industry.
Paula Cole – A GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter known for iconic hits like “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” and her evocative storytelling, Cole continues to inspire with her artistry.
Katie Daryl – A veteran rock journalist and producer who helped shape shows like The Top Ten Revealed, Daryl has been a voice for rock music and its fans for years.
Alecia “Mixi” Demner – As the lead vocalist of the hard rock band Stitched Up Heart, Mixi has released groundbreaking albums and is a passionate advocate for animal rescue.
Samantha Fish – A trailblazing guitarist and songwriter, Fish has brought blues, rock, and soul into new dimensions. Her collaborations and achievements, including her chart-topping album Death Wish Blues, have cemented her legacy.
Beth Heidt – Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson Brands, Heidt drives the company’s marketing and philanthropic efforts while supporting global artist relations.
Theresa Hoffman – A leader at C.F. Martin Guitar & Co., Hoffman has pushed innovation with her engineering background and holds multiple patents in her field.
Amanda Palmer – Known for her bold artistic choices, Palmer rose to fame with The Dresden Dolls and has redefined fan-supported music through projects like Theatre Is Evil.
Christina Perri – The multi-platinum artist behind timeless hits like “A Thousand Years,” Perri’s work spans from pop anthems to children’s music, solidifying her as a versatile talent.
Chris Schyvinck – As CEO of Shure Inc., Schyvinck has led the company’s global success while fostering a culture of innovation in audio technology.
Nurit Siegel Smith – Through her leadership at the Music Forward Foundation, Smith has been instrumental in creating opportunities for the next generation of music professionals.
Opening the night will be Shantaia, a rising star in country music and the 2023 SCMA Female Artist of the Year. Known for her singles like “Had a Good Weekend,” Shantaia has captivated audiences with her relatable lyrics and heartfelt performances.
SEE ALSO: NAMM 2025: Scenes (and sounds) from the first day of the Anaheim music event
A Legacy of Trailblazers
Over the years, the She Rocks Awards has honored some of the most iconic women in music. Melissa Etheridge, the Grammy and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter behind hits like “Come to My Window,” stands among the celebrated honorees. Disco queen and LGBTQ+ icon Gloria Gaynor, best known for her anthem “I Will Survive,” has also been recognized. Rock legend and multi-Grammy winner Pat Benatar shares the spotlight with The Bangles, the 80s pop-rock icons behind chart-toppers like “Walk Like an Egyptian.” The awards have also highlighted modern talents such as Nita Strauss, a guitar virtuoso redefining shredding as a solo artist, and Suzi Quatro, the trailblazing bassist who inspired women worldwide to pick up guitars. Rounding out this roster is Colbie Caillat, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her breezy acoustic pop.
The She Rocks Impact
The awards have grown over the years to become a pivotal event in the music industry calendar. As part of the NAMM Show, the She Rocks Awards draws a wide audience of music professionals, media, and fans. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the event serves as a reminder of the strides women have made in music—and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Why This Year’s Awards Matter More Than Ever
The 2025 She Rocks Awards are particularly timely in light of ongoing discussions about gender equality in music. Despite progress, recent studies show that women still make up only a small fraction of producers, engineers, and executives in the industry. By spotlighting women across all sectors of the business, the She Rocks Awards continues to challenge stereotypes and dismantle barriers.