Keke Palmer to Host Billboard's Women in Music Ceremony

The 2026 event will take place on April 29 at the Hollywood Palladium.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 7:47am

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Keke Palmer has been announced as the host of the 2026 Billboard Women in Music ceremony, which will honor artists who are shaping the sound of today and charting what's to come. The event is set for April 29 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Keke Palmer's hosting role highlights her continued success across multiple creative fields, including film, television, hosting, and music. The Billboard Women in Music ceremony celebrates the achievements of influential female artists, which aligns with Palmer's own multifaceted career.

The details

According to Billboard's chief brand officer Dana Droppo, the 2026 Billboard Women in Music event 'honors artists who are not only shaping the sound of today, but charting what's to come.' Droppo praised Palmer's 'fearless, multifaceted, and deeply respected' persona across entertainment and culture, stating that she will bring a 'vivacious energy, sharp perspective, and lovable authenticity' to the show.

  • The 2026 Billboard Women in Music ceremony is set for April 29.
  • Keke Palmer recently released her latest album, Just Keke, in 2025.

The players

Keke Palmer

An American actress, singer, and television personality who will host the 2026 Billboard Women in Music ceremony.

Dana Droppo

The chief brand officer at Billboard, who announced that Keke Palmer will host the 2026 Women in Music event.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 Billboard Women in Music presented by Sonesta International Hotels honors artists who are not only shaping the sound of today, but charting what's to come. This year's honorees have bold vision, global influence, and artistic excellence across genres — and we're especially thrilled to have Keke Palmer as our host. Keke embodies the spirit of Women in Music: fearless, multifaceted, and deeply respected across entertainment and culture. She brings a vivacious energy, sharp perspective, and lovable authenticity that will make this year's show truly special.”

— Dana Droppo, Chief Brand Officer, Billboard

What’s next

Details about this year's honorees, performers, and presenters will be revealed in the weeks ahead.

The takeaway

Keke Palmer's hosting role for the 2026 Billboard Women in Music ceremony underscores her multifaceted success across entertainment and her ability to bring a unique energy and perspective to high-profile industry events.