A blockbuster moment is brewing in the music world as Vicki Peterson of The Bangles teams with Mixi Demner to cohost the 2026 She Rocks Awards. The pairing has fans buzzing that this night could rewrite the role of women in music and illuminate changes in the industry. The event, a signature of NAMM and presented by the Women’s International Music Network, will take place on Friday, January 23 at the Hilton Anaheim Pacific Ballroom and is open to the public. It will layer keynote speeches with live performances, a silent auction, and a dinner, all designed to celebrate achievement in music and audio.
This year’s awards build on a growing movement to recognize the power of women across all facets of the industry—from performers to engineers and entrepreneurs. The full slate of honorees, announced in waves, includes a mix of performers, educators, and industry leaders who have shaped contemporary sounds and opportunities for others. Among the names highlighted are Sophie Burrell, Andreea Gleeason, Kay Hanley, Judith Hill, Reina Ichihashi, Michelle Lewis, Susan Lipp, Lisa MacDonald, Rachel Platten, Heather Dembert Rafter, Rhonda Smith, and Lisa Worden. Sophie Burrell is set to open the evening, underscoring the event’s focus on rising and established talent alike. In parallel to the honorees, the event spotlights leaders who have helped push the industry toward greater inclusion and economic opportunity for women.
The 2026 honorees reflect a diverse spectrum of roles—from songwriters and vocalists to instrumentalists and executive leaders. Judith Hill, known for her Oscar-winning film work and collaborations with legendary artists, anchors a roster that also features Reina Ichihashi, Michelle Lewis, Susan Lipp, and Lisa MacDonald. The list continues with the creative force of Rachel Platten, whose anthem ‘Fight Song’ remains a staple in empowerment playlists, and Rhonda Smith, celebrated for her bass work with Prince and major television stages. These figures, along with Lisa Worden and other honorees, illustrate the breadth of influence recognized by She Rocks.
The awards night is hosted by industry names including Andreea Gleeason, CEO of TuneCore and founder of BE THE CHANGE, and Kay Hanley, lead vocalist of Letters to Cleo and cofounder of SONA, with Lisa Worden of iHeartMedia guiding the program. The event’s format combines performances, speeches, and a silent auction, culminating in a public celebration of women who shape music and audio. Tickets are on sale at the She Rocks site or Eventbrite, with VIP at $188.58, Platinum at $161.90, and Gold at $92.55 (fees included). Until December 2, a BF10 discount code offers $10 off tickets. The ceremony’s significance extends beyond accolades, spotlighting NAMM’s ongoing commitment to gender equity and the broader industry’s push to empower female creators and executives across the music economy.
