Chappell Roan, Joni Mitchell, and Chaka Khan Honored at Female-Forward Resonator Awards

The annual event at the historic Chaplin Studios celebrated women, trans, and non-binary producers, engineers, and other music industry professionals.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The second annual Resonator Awards, a female-forward event honoring producers, engineers, and other music industry professionals, took place at the iconic Chaplin Studios in Hollywood. Honorees and presenters included Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Olivia Rodrigo, Doechii, St. Vincent, Haim, and many more. The evening featured powerful speeches, surprise performances, and a lively auction, culminating in a tribute to the legendary Chaka Khan.

Why it matters

The Resonator Awards shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of women, trans, and non-binary individuals in the music industry, celebrating their creativity, innovation, and impact. In an industry historically dominated by men, this event helps to amplify diverse voices and promote greater equity and inclusion.

The details

The Resonator Awards ceremony was held at the Chaplin Studios, a historic Hollywood location that has hosted countless classic album recordings. The event featured a star-studded lineup of honorees and presenters, including Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Olivia Rodrigo, St. Vincent, and Haim. Highlights included Chappell Roan's moving speech about the importance of community and kindness, St. Vincent's free-form acceptance speech, and a tribute to Chaka Khan featuring performances by Sia, Maggie Rogers, and Lalah Hathaway.

  • The Resonator Awards ceremony took place on January 28, 2026.
  • The Chaplin Studios were founded in 1917 by actor Charlie Chaplin and later became the home base of A&M Records in the 1960s.

The players

Chappell Roan

A singer-songwriter who received the Harmonizer Award, which honors a creator who uses music to leverage social change.

Joni Mitchell

A legendary singer-songwriter who presented the Luminary Award to Chaka Khan and shared stories of their long friendship and collaboration.

Chaka Khan

A Grammy-winning singer who received the Luminary Award, which is presented to a creator whose profound impact has transcended the music industry to significantly change culture.

Olivia Rodrigo

A rising pop star who presented the Golden Trifecta Award to St. Vincent, recognizing her prowess as a producer, engineer, and artist.

St. Vincent

An acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer who received the Golden Trifecta Award for her innovative work across multiple disciplines.

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What they’re saying

“Olivia, you give me all hope for the future, and you are one of the best motherfuckers I have ever met.”

— St. Vincent

“I don't really know what's going to happen to women or gay people or people of color, or really anyone. But I think the only thing that matters is community and kindness and giving away what you have.”

— Chappell Roan, Harmonizer Award Recipient

“I've always believed that empowered women empower women. So thank you for this award, and keep moving the needle.”

— Chaka Khan, Luminary Award Recipient

The takeaway

The Resonator Awards highlight the vital contributions of women, trans, and non-binary individuals in the music industry, challenging the male-dominated status quo and inspiring the next generation of diverse talent to push the boundaries of what's possible in music.