The She Rocks Awards once again delivered a powerful and unforgettable evening celebrating women who are shaping the future of the music and audio industries. Presented during The NAMM Show and produced by the Women’s International Music Network, the 2026 ceremony brought together artists, executives, innovators, and advocates for a night defined by inspiration, connection, and extraordinary performances.
The evening was co-hosted by Vicki Peterson, a founding member of The Bangles, and Alecia “Mixi” Demner of Stitched Up Heart, whose warmth, humor, and commanding stage presence set the tone for a celebratory, deeply meaningful night.
Throughout the night, honorees shared moving reflections on mentorship, creative freedom, leadership, and the importance of representation across every level of the industry. She Rocks Powerhouse Award recipient Andreea Gleeson delivered a powerful reflection on leadership and equity, drawing from her tenure as CEO of TuneCore and her work reshaping access and opportunity across the music industry. Speaking on the true nature of power, she shared, “It’s not dominance. It’s the ability to take on hard problems, stay in the work when it’s uncomfortable, and move things forward in a way that lasts. Power only matters if it’s used to change conditions, not just outcomes.” Closing out the evening, Rachel Platten left the audience with a resonant call to self-belief and courage. “If there is one thing I hope you take with you tonight, it’s this: no one else gets to decide what is possible for us or what we’re here to do. Your voice matters, and the world is better when you are brave enough to use it.”
The program was punctuated by dynamic live performances and special moments that underscored the She Rocks mission: to amplify voices, celebrate achievement, and build a more inclusive future for music. Music remained at the heart of the evening, with a series of powerful performances that underscored the emotional and cultural impact of the She Rocks Awards. Honoree Judith Hill delivered a commanding and soulful performance that showcased her remarkable range as a vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, bringing the room to a standstill with her presence and musical depth.
Critically acclaimed indie rock artist Margaret Glaspy followed with a raw, guitar-driven performance that highlighted her signature blend of vulnerability and power, reaffirming her status as an artist to watch.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came during a moving In Memoriam performance by 2025 She Rocks Honoree Amanda Palmer, joined by her Dresden Dolls bandmate Brian Viglione. The performance served as a powerful tribute, honoring those in the music community who have been lost while celebrating the enduring connection between art, memory, and resilience.
The night reached a collective crescendo with a deeply moving rendition of Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” performed by Geena Fontanella and a School of Rock All-Star band. What began as a spotlight performance evolved into a unifying moment as many of the evening’s honorees joined onstage, including Rachel Platten herself, leading the audience in a powerful group sing-along that echoed the song’s message of strength, perseverance, and shared purpose.
The performance closed the night on a note of unity and empowerment, capturing the spirit of the She Rocks Awards and leaving the audience with a resonant reminder of music’s ability to inspire, uplift, and bring people together.
“The She Rocks Awards continue to honor not only extraordinary careers and artistry, but the impact these women have on the people and communities around them,” said Laura B. Whitmore, founder of the Women’s International Music Network and the She Rocks Awards. “This night is about visibility, empowerment, and recognizing the many ways women lead and innovate across our industry.”
2026 Co-Hosts
Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) – Founding member of the iconic pop-rock band behind hits including “Walk Like an Egyptian” and “Eternal Flame.”
Alecia “Mixi” Demner (Stitched Up Heart) – Frontwoman known for her powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence.
2026 Honorees
Sophie Burrell – Guitarist, educator, and global digital influencer
Andreea Gleeson – CEO of TuneCore; leader in independent music advocacy
Margaret Glaspy – Critically acclaimed, guitar-driven indie rock artist
Kay Hanley – Emmy and Peabody Award–winning songwriter; SONA, Letters to Cleo
Judith Hill – Acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist
Reina Ichihashi – Roland global product marketing innovator
Susan Lipp – CEO of Full Compass Systems; industry business leader
Lisa MacDonald – Yamaha marketing executive; Women of NAMM leader
Michelle Lewis – Emmy and Peabody Award–winning songwriter and activist, SONA
Rachel Platten – Multi-platinum singer-songwriter (“Fight Song”)
Heather Dembert Rafter – Music technology attorney and industry advocate
Rhonda Smith – World-renowned bassist; Prince and Jeff Beck collaborator
Carnie Wilson – Multi-platinum artist, founding member of Wilson Phillips
Lisa Worden – iHeartMedia SVP; influential rock and alternative tastemaker
The She Rocks Awards is proudly supported by NAMM, our presenting sponsor, along with 108 Rock Star Guitars, Aguilar, AXS TV, Bloom Records, Boss, Casio, D’Addario, dw, DiGiCo, Freeman, Gibson, Guitar Player, Guitar World, HOSA Technology, Hudson Audio Works, KORG, Martin Guitar, M.A.C Cosmetics, Monster Energy, Music Admin, Music Connection, Pandion Music, Positive Grid, PRS Guitars, Reverb, Roland, Rafter Marsh, Seymour Duncan, Sennheiser, Shure, Sweetwater, The Hollywood Times, Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Venus Guitars.
Information on the She Rocks Awards, including future events and initiatives, can be found at www.sherocksawards.com. The full stream of the show can be watched on YouTube.
