Celebrating its 14th year, the annual She Rocks Awards did not disappoint and had something for everyone, from Sophie Burrell’s electrifying opening set, to a family performance from Carnie Wilson alongside husband Robert Bonfiglio and daughter Lola. Presented by NAMM (namm.org) and produced by the Women’s International Music Network (WIMN) (thewimn.com), the evening celebrated women from every angle of the music industry and the theme was clear: anything is possible when you believe in yourself and are supported by a community of great people.
For close to three hours, an energized room was treated to fantastic displays of female power and inspiration, reminding all in attendance to stay true to their passion and recognize their intrinsic worth. Judith hill, supported by mother Michiko Hill (on keyboards), father Robert Lee "Pee Wee" Hill (on bass), and drummer Shadrack Oppong, blew the room away with what can only be described as a stunning display of vocal and instrumental talent. Margaret Glaspy shared spellbinding, vulnerable vocals and guitar, and the School of Rock All-Star Band lit up the stage. Time was also taken to remember industry members lost in 2025, with the Dresden Dolls (Amanda Palmer was a 2025 Honoree) lending the musical backdrop.
Speakers and performers from and for every generation and genre (and all facets of music, including legal, marketing and technology) shared insights on their pursuit of a musical career, and how to create a happy and fulfilling life along the way.
Co-hosts Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) and Alecia “Mixi” Demner (Stitched Up Heart)—each of whom also shared performances and collaborations throughout the night—honored 14 phenomenal women who have leant inspiration and support to many, delivering undeniable impact in their respective roles.
- Sophie Burrell – guitarist, educator, global digital influencer
- Andreea Gleeson – CEO of TuneCore, leader in independent music advocacy
- Margaret Glaspy – critically acclaimed, guitar-driven indie rock artist
- Kay Hanley – Emmy and Peabody Award-winning songwriter
- Judith Hill – Acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist
- Reina Ichihashi – Roland global product marketing innovator
- Susan Lipp – CEO of Full Compass Systems, industry business leader
- Lisa MacDonald – Yamaha Marketing Executive, Women of NAMM leader
- Michelle Lewis – Emmy and Peabody Award-winning songwriter and activist (SONA)
- Rachel Platten – Multi-platinum singer-songwriter (“Fight Song”)
- Heather Dembert Rafter – Music technology attorney and industry advocate
- Rhonda Smith – World-renowned bassist, Prince and Jeff Beck collaborator
- Carnie Wilson – Multi-platinum artist, founding member of Wilson Phillips
- Lisa Worden – iHeartMedia SVP, influential rock and alternative tastemaker
Founded in 2012 by WIMN, the She Rocks Awards honors trailblazing women from all areas of the industry – including educators, executives, manufacturers, non-profits, media, performers, engineers, and more. Previous honorees include Chaka Khan, Ronnie Spector, Lita Ford, Colbie Caillat, Sheila E., Linda Perry, Esperanza Spalding, Gloria Gaynorl, The Bangles, and more (see complete list HERE).
Find out more at sherocksawards.com. Full event replay available on YouTube at: youtube.com/watch?v=rMw4vwiKEpc. To lend your support to an incredible ecosystem supporting powerhouse leaders in creating change in the music business through the She Rocks annual silent auction (open for bidding through February 8, 2026), please visit givebutter.com/c/SheRocks2026/auction.
The post NAMM’s She Rocks Awards: A Community of Possibility first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.
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By: Andrea Beenham
Title: NAMM’s She Rocks Awards: A Community of Possibility
Sourced From: www.musicconnection.com/namms-she-rocks-awards-a-community-of-possibility/
Published Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:11:09 +0000
