She Is The Music Honors Megan Moroney and Sylvia Rhone

Annual 'Women Sharing the Spotlight' event celebrates female leaders in the music industry

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The second annual 'Women Sharing the Spotlight' event hosted by She Is The Music (SITM) honored singer-songwriter Megan Moroney and music executive Sylvia Rhone for their contributions to advancing women in the music industry. The event featured a standing ovation for Rhone as she accepted SITM's Trailblazer award, and Moroney spoke about the importance of supporting each other's success. The event also welcomed a new class of 'Vanguard' honorees from across the industry.

Why it matters

The event highlights the ongoing efforts to increase representation and leadership opportunities for women in the male-dominated music industry. By honoring trailblazers like Rhone and rising stars like Moroney, SITM aims to inspire the next generation of female music professionals and continue breaking down barriers.

The details

The 'Women Sharing the Spotlight' event was held at Delilah restaurant in Los Angeles on February 18, 2026. SITM executive director Laura Segura noted the 'amazing energy' in the packed room. Alicia Keys, a co-founder of SITM, spoke about the importance of women opening doors for each other in the industry. Moroney was honored for her achievements with an all-female team, while Rhone was recognized as a trailblazer who has 'paved the way' for many women. Rhone encouraged the attendees to 'keep opening doors wider than we found them' and to mentor, negotiate, and lead with wisdom and grace.

  • The event was held on February 18, 2026.
  • Megan Moroney's third studio album 'Cloud 9' was released on February 20, 2026.

The players

She Is The Music (SITM)

A non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the representation and leadership of women in the music industry.

Megan Moroney

A multiplatinum singer-songwriter who was honored at the event for her achievements with an all-female team.

Sylvia Rhone

A veteran music industry executive who was recognized as a trailblazer and honored with SITM's Trailblazer award.

Alicia Keys

A music superstar and co-founder of SITM.

Jody Gerson

The chairman & CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group and a co-founder of SITM.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight's event is about being able to say, 'Wait, I do have this position and I can open the door.' It's one thing when you're banging on a door to be let in; it's another thing when someone opens the door and says, 'Come in and join me.'”

— Alicia Keys, Music superstar and She Is The Music co-founder (Billboard)

“I think sometimes we're taught, subtly or not, that there's only room for a few women at the top. But music and creating art isn't a competition for oxygen. I'm positive that when one of us wins, it stretches the ceiling higher for the next girl watching.”

— Megan Moroney (Billboard)

“When I first heard the word trailblazer, I smiled. Because the truth is, none of us cleared a path alone. We pushed. We nudged. We reached back. We whispered to one another to pull up a chair. And somewhere along the way, the trail became a road. And now it feels more like a gathering place.”

— Sylvia Rhone, Epic Records chairman & CEO (Billboard)

“Creativity adapts, and women, especially women, innovate under pressure. And as I look around this room, I'm not anxious about the future of our industry. At all. I'm energized by it. Music is in very good hands. So let's keep opening doors wider than we found them. Let's protect our industry while embracing what's next. Let's mentor generously, negotiate boldly and lead with wisdom. And yes, always with grace.”

— Sylvia Rhone, Epic Records chairman & CEO (Billboard)

The takeaway

This event highlights the continued progress being made to increase representation and leadership opportunities for women in the male-dominated music industry. By honoring trailblazers like Sylvia Rhone and rising stars like Megan Moroney, She Is The Music is inspiring the next generation of female music professionals and working to break down the barriers that have historically limited women's success in the industry.