Tyla honoured at Billboard's Women in Music Awards

South African Amapiano pop star Tyla was among several musicians honoured at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music Awards.

The 'Water' hitmaker received the 'Impact Award'.

Tyla is the seventh female artist to receive the award, which has previously gone to stars such as Solange Knowles, Alicia Keys and H.E.R.

The 23-year-old made a daring appearance on the red carpet before the Saturday ceremony at the YouTube Theater in California. 

She wore a black see-through knit dress designed by Jean Paul Gaultier. 

"Ma se kind! Looking like a whole snack," one person wrote on Instagram.

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Tyla told Billboard's Rania Aniftos and Jazzy on the red carpet it "feels amazing" to be recognised for her impact on the music industry.

"I'm really grateful for all the people who have impacted me in my life and my career that got me here," she said. 

The 'Truth or Dare' singer named Rihanna and Aaliyah as some of the women who have impacted her. 

"I just find them so unique as people and artists. They are just so talented, and their legacy will live on and does live on forever. I'm just really proud to have them in my life growing up and watching such powerful women do what they did."

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Tyla was also one of the performers on the night. She sang her latest hit, 'Push 2 Start'. 

"My girl ate," an X user said about her performance. 

Another person wrote: "Tyla's Billboard Women in Music performance was FIRE! She looked stunning, as always. Someone get me oxygen; I'm still hyperventilating."

Gracie Abrams, Muni Long and Erykah Badu also performed during the ceremony. 

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Becky G presented Tyla with the 'Impact Award' shortly after her performance. She was happy to hold it while Tyla gave her acceptance speech.

Tyla has famously asked presenters to hold her awards, leading to online controversy.

"Do you want me to hold it? I got you. I'm honoured," Becky G said. 

Tyla used her speech to pay tribute to her mother, Sharleen Seethal.

"I just want to say how grateful I am for the mothers of this world. Thank you to my mother, especially, for just teaching me how to embody confidence and grace [and] strength during this journey that I am on.

"I left my country with big dreams, and I thought I had more time to figure things out, but when my career took off, I realised that God has his own plans. I feel very lucky for my fans, who have given me such an exciting life."

The crowd could not stop cheering and screaming, "I love you" as she gave her speech. 

Tyla is a certified superstar! 

Here's a look at the other Women in Music recipients. 

Gracie Abrams: Songwriter of the Year Award
Erykah Badu: Icon Award
Doechii: 2025 Woman of the Year Award
JENNIE:  Global Force Award
Meghan Trainor: Hitmaker Award
GloRilla: Powerhouse Award
Gracie Abrams: Songwriter of the Year Award
Megan Moroney: Rulebreaker Award 
Muni Long: Rising Star Award
aespa: Group of the Year Award
Ángela Aguilar: Breakthrough Award 
ANNA: Billboard Italy Woman of the Year
Charlotte Cardin: Billboard Canada Woman of the Year
Tina Knowles: Mother of the Year Award

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Main image credit: Instagram/@tyla, @billboard