Billboard Women in Music 2016: Red Carpet Photos

On December 9, some of the biggest names in music headed to the Billboard Women in Music event in NYC, which aims to honor and thank the many women in the industry who have made contributions to the business over the year. Madonna was named 2016’s Woman of the Year at the ceremony, and wore a magnificent two-piece suit on the red carpet. After announcing that the 58-year-old would be receiving the award, Janice Min, the president and chief creative officer of The Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group said, “Madonna is one of a miniscule number of super-artists whose influence and career transcend music… With her creative vision, relentless innovation, and dedication to philanthropic causes, she is an inspiration to hundreds of millions of people around the world, all while shattering every career record out there.” At the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, Madonna paid tribute to Prince with Stevie Wonder, and her Rebel Heart Tour, which wrapped earlier this year, made her one of the biggest touring acts to ever take the stage. On Friday, in front of peers like Kesha, Hailee Steinfeld, Nick Jonas, Idina Menzel, and many more, she delivered an emotional speech, chronicling her experience as a teen and growing up in New York during the AIDS epidemic. Madonna also discussed what it means to be a woman, and how that meaning has changed over time. “What I would like to say to all women here today is this: Women have been so oppressed for so long they believe what men have to say about them. They believe they have to back a man to get the job done. And there are some very good men worth backing, but not because they’re men — because they’re worthy.” She finished off by thanking both everyone who has supported her, and those who doubted her. “… your resistance made me stronger, made me push harder, made me the fighter that I am today.” Click through our gallery to see more photos of Madonna, and some of the other stars who walked the red carpet at theBillboard Women in Music event. (Getty)

Next Image: US-ENTERTAINMENT-WOMEN IN MUSIC