A Night to Remember: She Rocks Awards at NAMM 2026

Held at the Hilton Anaheim Pacific Ballroom, the She Rocks Awards has long been one of the most anticipated and meaningful events of NAMM week, honoring women across all facets of the music industry, from artists and educators to executives, legal innovators, and advocates working behind the scenes to shape the industry’s future.

The evening was co-hosted by Vicki Peterson, founding member of The Bangles, and Alecia “Mixi” Demner of Stitched Up Heart. Their warmth, humor, and commanding stage presence set the tone for a celebratory and deeply meaningful night, blending rock-and-roll legacy with fierce modern energy. Peterson’s grounded leadership and deep ties to the music community paired seamlessly with Mixi’s bold charisma, creating a dynamic hosting duo that embodied the intergenerational spirit at the heart of She Rocks.

From the moment the red carpet unfurled, the energy was palpable. The Hollywood Times team captured exclusive interviews with a remarkable range of talent and honorees, including Margaret Glaspy, Carnie Wilson, Andreea Gleeson, Susan Lipp, Lisa Worden, Heather Dembert Rafter, Michelle Lewis and Kay Hanley of SONA, Judith Hill, and Sophie Burrell, who also opened the show with her band. Each brought warmth, insight, and passion to their red-carpet moments, reflecting on industry progress, creative evolution, and the power of community.

Throughout the evening, honorees shared moving reflections on mentorship, creative freedom, leadership, and the importance of representation at every level of the industry. She Rocks Powerhouse Award recipient Andreea Gleeson delivered one of the night’s most resonant speeches, drawing from her tenure as CEO of TuneCore and her work reshaping access and opportunity for independent artists. 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.”

Music remained at the heart of the evening, with a series of powerful performances underscoring the emotional and cultural impact of the She Rocks mission.

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 musical depth and presence. 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. Sophie Burrell electrified the ballroom with an opening set that showcased her technical virtuosity and dynamic stage presence, setting the energy for the night.

One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came when Carnie Wilson performed “California Dreamin’” alongside her daughter Lola and husband Rob, blending family, legacy, and music in a way that resonated deeply with the audience.

One of the most moving segments of the evening was the In Memoriam tribute, led by 2025 She Rocks Honoree Amanda Palmer, joined by her Dresden Dolls bandmate Brian Viglione. The performance honored women whose contributions shaped the music world and whose absence is deeply felt, offering a moment of collective remembrance and underscoring the community’s reverence for legacy.

The night reached a collective crescendo with a deeply moving rendition of “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. The audience rose together in a powerful sing-along that echoed the song’s message of strength, perseverance, and shared purpose, closing the night on a note of unity and empowerment.

Platten earlier addressed the audience with a resonant call to self-belief and courage, saying, “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 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.”

What set the 2026 She Rocks Awards apart, beyond the star wattage and performances, was its unwavering commitment to recognizing women across the entire music ecosystem. From executive leadership and legal innovation to artists, educators, and advocates, the awards painted a holistic picture of how women continue to shape music both onstage and behind the scenes.

The event once again proved why it remains one of the most cherished and inspiring gatherings at NAMM, a night where personal stories, creative breakthroughs, and industry achievement converge into a powerful celebration. The She Rocks Awards 2026 was more than an awards show; it was a reminder of how far the industry has come and how much more is possible.

With The Hollywood Times on the red carpet and inside the ballroom, it was clear this was one of the most talked-about moments of NAMM 2026, filled with laughter, tears, triumphs, and unforgettable musical moments. If this year’s event is any indication, She Rocks is not just honoring history, it is actively making it.

Enjoy our exclusive red-carpet interviews with many of the evening’s honorees and performers: