Doechii represented female musicians and industry executives in her 2025 Billboard Women In Music Awards speech.

The Grammy winner accepted the Woman of the Year award at the ceremony on Saturday, March 29, in Los Angeles. There, she delivered a message on the “necessity” of women in the music business. The “Alligator Bites Never Heal” rapper was introduced by producer Jayda Love and DJ Miss Milan.

“I cannot believe it was just two years ago I stood on this stage right here and accepted the Billboard Rising Star Award. I had literally performed so hard I danced my shoes off and had to hop up to the mic,” Doechii began. “And here I am. That moment reflects how I approach my career–always go full out, always go hard and always be fab.”

The rapper gave a playful nod to the late Whitney Houston while thanking her family members and team, calling the achievement a “full-circle moment.” Doechii also called herself a “fierce ally” to the female industry players and broke down the importance of her 2024 mixtape. “This event was created out of a necessity. That word, necessity, is important,” she said. “My mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, was a space I created out of necessity. A space where I could feel seen, heard and connect with other people through experiences.”

Although 2007 was the inaugural year for Billboard Women In Music, the “Anxiety” artist called out a “lack of inclusion and sexism,” which “are still issues in this industry.”

“This is our motherf**king night to rightfully come together to acknowledge each other, support each other and to celebrate,” she continued. “We are the creators, we are the executives, we are the innovators who are just as central to this industry as the men. Clock it.”

The rapper later addressed social media speculation about her being an ‘industry plant.’ “And I want everyone to hear me clearly when I say it is not a button, it is our brain. It is not a machine, it is our leadership. It is not a conspiracy, it’s our vulnerability. It is not an agenda, it’s God,” she declared.

Other winners at Saturday night’s ceremony were Erykah Badu, Tyla, Muni Long and GloRilla.