Dave MeyersIf you had to name one female artist who dominated the conversation in 2018, Ariana Grande would no doubt be on the list — so it’s no surprise that Billboard has named her its 2018 Woman of the Year.
Ari will accept the award at the publication’s 13th annual Women in Music gala December 6 in New York City. Other honorees in a variety of categories will be announced later.
In a statement, Billboard VP of Content Ross Scarano says, “Ariana Grande is a star on her own terms, never bending to any particular musical trend or path in the industry. Certain in her convictions, she consistently stands up for herself and her decisions in a world that often isn’t hospitable to that sort of strength in young women.”
He adds, “She’s got guts, she’s making some of the best music of her career, and she’s absolutely deserving of Woman of the Year.”
In addition to releasing her #1 album Sweetener, which has spun off the hits “No Tears Left to Cry,” “Breathin'” and “God Is a Woman,” Ariana has also made an impact with her political and social activism. She participated in the March For Our Lives, is an advocate for mental health awareness and gender parity and, of course, she helped organize the star-studded One Love Manchester benefit.
The 13th annual Women in Music event, as well as a red carpet pre-show, will broadcast live on Twitter, 7pm-10pm EST December 6.
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