The 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards brought the girl power to Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater on Wednesday night (March 6), where the biggest female stars gathered for a night of empowerment and celebration.

Karol G was this year’s Woman of the Year, marking a significant milestone for the Colombian superstar, as she is the first artist who primarily records in Spanish to claim the honor since the ceremony’s inauguration in 2007 — a testament to her unparalleled impact and influence in the industry.

“With her immense talent, Karol G has created a movement for women across the globe due to her empowering lyrics and inspiring confidence,” said Hannah Karp, Billboard’s editorial director, when Karol G was announced as the Woman of the Year honoree. “The release of her groundbreaking album Mañana Será Bonito has proven her a force to be reckoned with in both the English and Spanish charts. We are so excited to honor her as Woman of the Year.”

This year’s event featured performances from honorees Karol G as well as Charli XCX (Powerhouse), Maren Morris (Visionary), NewJeans (Group of the Year, presented by Coke Studio), Tems (Breakthrough), Victoria Monét (Rising Star, presented by Honda), Young Miko (Impact, presented by American Express) and Luísa Sonza (Global Force).

Beyond the amazing performances, the celebrities hung out backstage, where they posed for photos together and spent time hanging out.

For fans who weren’t at the show in person, you can watch a full stream of the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards on Thursday, March 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on billboardwomeninmusic.com. In the meantime, check out our full gallery of behind-the-scenes photos from the event below.