Sarah Geronimo Becomes First Filipina to be Honored at Billboard Women in Music

A ‘pop star royalty’ for a reason.

Yet another groundbreaking milestone for the Filipina pop sensation. The recent announcement by a U.S.-based music publication revealed that Sarah Geronimo is poised to be honored with the prestigious Global Force Award at the upcoming Billboard Women in Music Los Angeles event scheduled for March 6.

The pop star royalty joins Ice Spice, Annalisa, Karol G, NewJeans, Victoria Monet, and other women in the music industry who have made noteworthy contributions to the business and serve as inspirations for generations of women, encouraging them to take on greater responsibilities in the field. Timed perfectly for Women’s Month, this awards night pays tribute to women spanning various generations and music genres, acknowledging their role in shaping the contemporary music landscape.

Sarah Geronimo is Named Billboard’s Global Force Awardee of the Year

Since its inception in 2007, Billboard’s Women in Music has consistently highlighted exceptional artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, TWICE, Ariana Grande, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, and many others. These individuals have been recognized for their outstanding artistic prowess and significant contributions to the music industry.

Introduced this year, the Global Force Award is given to artists who have made a significant impact worldwide. Serving as the Philippines’ representative, Sarah Geronimo shares this prestigious recognition with Brazil’s Luisa Sonza and Italy’s Annalisa. The awards ceremony, hosted by American actress Tracee Ellis Ross, is set to be streamed on Billboard’s official website on March 7.

Having started as a contestant on a talent show two decades ago, Sarah’s career has undeniably flourished in the music industry, earning accolades from both local and international award-giving bodies. Notably, she has secured over 15 Awit Awards, a Mnet Asian Music Award, an MTV Europe Music Award, a World Music Award, and more. Additionally, her songs have cumulatively amassed millions of streams, solidifying her presence with over a million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Other distinguished honorees for this year include Charlie XCX for Powerhouse, Ice Spice for Hitmaker, Kylie Minogue for Icon, Maren Morris for Visionary, NewJeans for Group of the Year, PinkPantheress for Producer of the Year, Tems for Breakthrough, Victoria Monét for the Honda Rising Star Award, and Young Miko for the American Express Impact Award. The coveted Woman of the Year title for this year is bestowed upon the Colombian singer Karol G, a multi-award-winning artist who has previously received Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and the esteemed Billboard Women in Music Award for Rulebreaker.

Sarah Geronimo expressed her gratitude for this recognition and retweeted Billboard Philippines’ post on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying: “Honored and grateful to be one of the recipients of Billboard’s Global Force Award. This recognition belongs to every dreamer and amazing Filipino artist we have. Mabuhay ang OPM! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Maraming salamat, Billboard PH!”

In addition to the global celebration, this March, Billboard Philippines is set to host a local edition of the Women in Music Awards, closely mirroring the U.S.-based event. The occasion will recognize the most influential women in Filipino music across past, present, and future generations, presenting awards that spotlight their impactful contributions and integral roles within the industry. Categories will also provide opportunities for fans to vote for artists they believe are making significant waves, determining rule breakers, powerhouses, and hitmakers in the Philippines. Stay tuned for further details.

_{Cover image credit: Sarah Geronimo}