Returning for its 14th rendition, the 2026 She Rocks Awards Show punctuates the NAMM Show experience with punk and spunk, roaring and rumbling attendees into the weekend with fervor and unmatched passion found nowhere else. Annually honoring an impressive assortment of groundbreaking women conquering different facets and aspects of the music industry, the 2026 group assembled proudly took their place among the previous sisterhood, deservedly selected for their career accomplishments. Spanning different generations and backgrounds, these diverse boundary-destroyers slay stages, release unforgettable music videos, pen irresistible bangers, create children’s shows impacting the next gen and manage world renowned brands and clients. Before the festivities began, I luckily chatted with many honorees, performers and WIMN co-founder Laura B. Whitmore. Check out the eight interviews below!

Leaving their mark in each respective field, honorees like Grammy-winning Judith Hill, Emmy and Peabody-winning songwriters Michelle Lewis and Kay Hanley, Birthday Girl legendary bassist Rhonda Smith, hosts Bangles member Vicki Petersen and Stitched Up Heart’s Alecia Mixi Demner all made the night a welcome oasis among the NAMM Show frenzy. In between inspiring speeches from Rhonda Smith and Judith Hill which encouraged the audience to “do what you love and it will love you back” and have our “voices remain loud and unapologetic”, many of the show’s performances featured unique moments like Stitched Up Heart performing “Sick Sick Sick” off their upcoming album ‘Medusa’ with Lauren Babic and Vicki Petersen joining in on Michelle Lewis and Kay Hanley’s cover of Sheryl Crow’s “Run Baby Run”. Leaving that night, ever awe-inspired by these ladies in the boardroom and spotlight, WIMN proved once again the future and path towards meaningful progress belongs to them, us and her!

Photo Credits: Scott Mitchell, Kevin Graft