AceShowbiz - The 2026 Billboard Women in Music event, held at the Hollywood Palladium on April 29, celebrated the exceptional achievements of HUNTR/X members EJAE, REI AMI, and AUDREY NUNA by awarding them the prestigious Women of the Year honors. These three talented artists, serving as the voices behind the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X from the 2025 Netflix animated musical film KPop Demon Hunters, captivated the audience with a heartfelt and inspiring acceptance speech.

Since the release of KPop Demon Hunters, the trio has broken barriers and set new records in the music industry. Their song "Golden," performed by the group, achieved remarkable success, spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track also made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song, marking the first time a K-pop song earned an Oscar. Additionally, it secured a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, another first for a K-pop entry.

At the Women in Music ceremony, hosted by Keke Palmer and streamed live on Billboard’s YouTube channel and Billboard.com, the artists once again made waves by accepting their well-deserved honors. Grammy-winning British R&B artist Ella Mai presented the award after the trio’s electrifying performance of "Golden."

The journey to this milestone, as shared by the artists, was one of perseverance, self-discovery, and resilience. EJAE spoke candidly about the challenges she faced as an Asian woman in the Western music industry. She highlighted the lack of representation she experienced growing up in the U.S., which initially led her to chase a career as a K-pop idol. When that path didn’t pan out, she found her voice in songwriting, realizing that music transcends race and gender by demanding only authenticity.

"Music doesn’t see race or gender. It only asks for the truth," EJAE reflected. She emphasized that embracing her full identity—her voice, womanhood, and truth—transformed her creative process and empowered her. EJAE urged other women who feel invisible to honor their stories and identities, reminding them that these are their greatest strengths.

She also took a moment to acknowledge the women behind the scenes of KPop Demon Hunters, including director Maggie Kang, Spring Aspers, Michelle Wong, Sunny Park, and others, as well as her fellow group members, REI AMI and AUDREY NUNA, and their mothers, calling them heroes.

REI AMI expressed gratitude for the recognition and support from her family, team, and fans. She candidly discussed the hurdles women face in the male-dominated music industry, where they are often scrutinized unjustly. According to REI AMI, women are frequently criticized for their appearance and personality, and confidence can be met with hostility.

However, she framed this adversity as a testament to the power of confident women, describing their perseverance as a superpower. "We are not too much. We are not too loud. We are exactly who the f- we think we are," she declared, celebrating the strength and leadership women bring to the industry and beyond.

AUDREY NUNA shared an emotional speech, revealing that although she is typically reserved with her feelings, the moment moved her deeply. She expressed honor in standing alongside other women who lead with boldness and excellence. Reflecting on her own journey, she spoke about not fitting into predefined expectations for Korean-American women and proudly wearing "shoes that are boxing gloves" as a metaphor for her unique identity.

"This award represents a song and a film that affirm the importance of women showing up fully—embracing their weirdness, their flaws, and their whole selves," AUDREY NUNA said.

She addressed the societal pressures women face regarding their roles and celebrated women as natural leaders. She underscored the power of genuine support among women, describing it as one of the most transformative forces in the world. AUDREY NUNA dedicated her award to her visionary team of women, including Paula Park, Nina Lee, Ashley Chu, Sarah Tehrani, Carolyn Massey, Mary Hannon, and Grace Lee, attributing much of her success to their unwavering support.

She also thanked her fellow group members, calling them muses and pure souls, and gave heartfelt thanks to her mother and aunt for exemplifying empathy and strength. AUDREY NUNA acknowledged women executives fighting for equity in the industry and referenced Zara Larsson’s words about being the only woman in the room, praising those who create space for others.

The 2026 Women in Music ceremony highlighted the ongoing fight for representation, equity, and recognition of women’s contributions in music. The evening celebrated trailblazers who continue to redefine the industry and inspire future generations, with EJAE, REI AMI, and AUDREY NUNA standing as shining examples of resilience, authenticity, and empowerment.

As the night concluded, their speech and performance echoed a powerful message: when women show up unapologetically and support each other, they don’t just make music—they change its very sound and impact.