Incredible Women Dominating The Music Industry
Who runs the world? Women! With movements like "Time's Up" and "#MeToo" calling for equality, it's an exciting time to be a woman in the entertainment industry. And so far, these efforts are working. It's time to celebrate fierce females in all of their guises, so we're turning the spotlight on the powerful women who are dominating the music industry.
From record executives that work tirelessly behind the scenes to modern day divas and those that came before them, join us as we take a look at some incredible women that are dominating the music business.
Pink
Pink deserves to be on this list for so many reasons. Since she burst onto the scene as a solo artist with her double-platinum album Can't Take Me Home in 2000, the star has been serving us with a powerful message.
Pink breaks the mold of the traditional pop princess, steering away from the stereotypical feminine figure in favor of telling like it is and being a downright feminist icon. The singer has never compromised her values or her art, giving out a strong and positive message to women and men alike. Plus, let's not forget that amazing speech at the 2017 VMAs.
Dolly Parton
Queen of country and queen of our hearts, there are fewer music icons more celebrated than the one and only Dolly Parton. Dolly achieved what is extremely difficult, crossing over from country music into mainstream success.
Starting out in 1959, the girl from Sevier County, Tennessee made a name for herself as a solo artist as well as a songwriter and actress. Parton has the distinction of being the most honored female country performer of all time, having won numerous awards and accolades. We love you Dolly — the higher the hair, the closer to God! Keep on singin'.
Bianca Bhagat
You may not have heard of her, but Bianca Bhagat is kind of a big deal in the music industry. At just 30 years old, Bhagat is killing the game as the head of West Coast Film/TV at Glassnote Records. Remember Childish Gambino's hit "Redbone" that you couldn't get away from? That was largely thanks to her. She also works with the likes of Phoenix, Mumford & Sons, and Two Door Cinema Club.
It was Bahgat's background in political science that helped her negotiate the song onto Jordan Peele's smash horror flick Get Out, which got it some major recognition. As well as that, she helped the band Daughter get the deal to score a video game that boosted their sales by 261 percent. In short, she's awesome.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is perhaps one of the most important artists of our time. Her avant-garde costumes and musical style have pushed the envelope since day one, earning her more than 230 awards so far in her career (this include six Grammy's and a Contemporary Icon Award — no big deal, right?).
But more importantly, is the amazing philanthropic work Lady Gaga does. She is known for her social activism and started her non-profit organization, the Born This Way Foundation, which works to promote youth empowerment and to combat bullying.
Cardi B
Cardi B is the hottest new rap sensation, and she's creating an enormous impact. Originally famed for her Instagram following, the star turned her hand to reality TV as part of VH1's Love and Hip Hop New York. Her no-nonsense attitude, constant sass and non-stop hustle have done her well, making her a fan favorite.
The Bronx-born star landed a number 1 with the summer smash "Bodak Yellow". The song gave her the distinction of being the first female rapper to have a no.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 since Lauryn Hill in 1998.
Kesha
Kesha has had a rough few years, battling it out with producer Dr. Luke in a very public tug of war that would've been difficult for anyone. With the backing of a lot of her fellow artists, the singer emerged triumphantly and released the sensational track "Praying".
Not only was the song deeply personal, it became an anthem for abuse survivors everywhere. The "Tik-Tok" hitmaker has a lot left under her hat, as proved by the truly emotional and moving performance of "Praying" at the Grammy's. The world isn't ready for Kesha - but she is definitely ready for the world.
Julia Michaels
While this singer may have only started releasing her own hits recently, Julia is no newbie to the industry. The 24-year-old was songwriting way before she was standing in front of the mic herself, penning hits such as "Sorry" for Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez's "Bad Liar".
As well as that, Michaels has crossed genres to co-write one of Linkin Park's last hits with their late frontman Chester Bennington, "Heavy". The beauty was nominated for two Grammy's this year, for Song of the Year and Best New Artist. Not bad at all for a girl who was used to being behind the scenes.
Michele Anthony
When you think of boardrooms at music labels, you'd be forgiven for thinking that it's all men in suits. Michele Anthony is the Executive VP at Universal Music Group, proving that women are well and truly taking over the world and making their mark.
Anthony has been with the company since 2013, working on everything from live events (pictured here with Sharon Osbourne), fan engagement, partnerships, sales and everything in between. Anthony was originally a lawyer who went on to manage the likes of Prince and Bjork. She was also named the 2017 UJA-Federation of New York Music Visionary of the Year.
Patti Smith
Patti Smith is the OG of punk. If it wasn't for her, the face of women in music would be vastly different. Smith was key in establishing the punk genre, at a time when ABBA were storming the charts and Farrah Fawcett was a pin-up.
Born in Chicago, the singer became one of the most influential parts of the New York City punk rock scene when her 1975 album Horses hit the charts, earning her the nickname "punk poet laureate." Over the course of her decades long career, Smith has shown the world what it truly means to be a female rock star.
Michelle Jubelirer
Being the Chief Operating Officer of anything is a job and a half, but having that position at Capitol Music Group is another matter entirely. Michelle Jubelirer oversees almost every aspect of the label that represents some seriously huge names.
Sam Smith and Niall Horan, as well as Halsey, are on Capitol's roll. Michelle also played a pivotal part with branching out from pop acts to include urban music too. She made rap group Migos officially part of the Capitol Music Group family. At only 43, Jubelirer knows what it means to make a permanent mark on the music world.
Rihanna
Rihanna can do no wrong. Since being discovered by Jay Z in the 00's, the Barbadian songstress has given us attitude, fierceness and a plethora of hits that we all know the words to (even if some of us don't want to admit it).
From "Umbrella" to "SOS" and much more, Robyn Rihanna Fenty is one of the best selling female artists of all time. If that wasn't enough, she's an incredible businesswoman with an estimated worth of $250 million. That's not small change. Let's not forget her push for diversity in cosmetics too, and the launch of Fenty cosmetics that aim to deliver a multitude of shades for women of color - something that most brands fail to do.
Ethiopia Habtemariam
Ethiopia Habtemariam is the president of Motown Records and the President of Urban and Creative Affairs for Universal Music Publishing Group. In short, there's almost nothing that Ethiopia isn't doing. The 38-year-old has her fingers in all the pies.
From helping acts like Lil Yachty and Migos find mainstream success to signing Grammy-winning producer Zaytoven and his Familiar Territory Records, there are no signs that this boss babe is slowing down anytime soon. She believes that the key to keeping things on the rise is to invest in strategic partnerships with artists - it looks like she's right.
Camila Cabello
When you've found success as one part of a girl band, going it alone can seem like a daunting step - especially if it's done in bad blood. Camila Cabello stepped away from Fifth Harmony after feeling like it wasn't the right place for her - much to the dismay of her bandmates.
While Fifth Harmony has still had success without the 21-year-old star, Cabello's solo rise has been a phenomenon to watch. After the release of "Crying in the Club" Camila followed it up with her first solo studio album Camila in 2018. The sound focused largely on her Latin roots and was a sure-fire hit, reaching number one in multiple countries, including the US and the UK.
Adele
Every now and then - but not that often - someone comes onto the scene with a voice that transcends genres. Adele is one of those people. The unlikely star from London has sold more records than you can shake a stick at, becoming the first woman in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to have three simultaneous top ten singles.
Not only do we love Adele's voice and penchant for writing emotional tracks that hit us where it hurts, but we love that she's a curvy, outspoken woman with the voice of an angel and the mouth of a sailor. She remains true to herself no matter what, and puts the happiness of herself and her family above all else - something that's not easy in the biz.
Beyonce
Love her or hate her - wait - no one in their right mind hates Queen Bey. Even if her music isn't to your taste, you can't help but bow down to her greatness. Her voice is incredible, her moves sensational - but above all, she teaches women everywhere the power of being fierce.
Since her rise to fame with Destiny's Child, Beyonce has been head and shoulders above the rest, captivating audiences with her smash-hit singles, incredible red carpet looks and let's not forget that tell-all album that unashamedly lay her marriage troubles bare. This chick has the crown, and don't think it's going to be slipping anytime soon.
Cher
Cher has been around so long, she's almost a national institution. Cherilyn Sarkisian originally started out as one half of the husband and wife duo, Sonny and Cher. While neither the band or the marriage worked out, the singer is one of the best-selling artists of all time - not bad for someone who dropped out of high school.
Cher has the distinction of being the only act to have a no.1 single in every decade since the 1960's. If her musical greatness weren't enough, then give her a round of applause for some totally outrageous fashion-forward looks over the years. From sleek black hair to perms and corsets, no one does it quite like Cher.
Janis Joplin
Before Patti Smith, there was Janis Joplin, one of the most prolific artists of all time. Joplin had a short career, rising to fame after an electric performance at the Monterey Pop Festival as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company.
As a solo artist, she released four albums before succumbing to an overdose at the age of 27 in 1970. To this day, her unrelenting vocals and charismatic persona are hailed as an influence to many artists. Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks calls her an idol, as do many the world over. Joplin's legacy lives on in modern music.
