Lady Gaga was named Woman of the Year at Billboard’s annual Women in Music event in New York on Friday (11.12.15).
The 29-year-old pop star was introduced to the stage by her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, who recalled how the chart-topping singer learned to walk by holding on to the leg of the family piano, "and in the process managed to reach the keys".
Upon collecting the coveted gong, Gaga said: "Women provide a wisdom to music that is very unique and special.
"It is a perspective no one else can have because we bear life. And because we go through things no one else goes through. And because it’s right. Because we’re all equal."
The ‘Bad Romance’ hitmaker ended her speech by sending a message to all the people who doubted her along the way.
She said: "I couldn’t wait to prove you wrong. Because I may not be a lot of things, but I can write songs, and I can sing."
Elsewhere on the night, American band Fifth Harmony – comprised of Camila Cabello, Normani Hamilton, Lauren Jauregui, Allyson Hernandez and Dinah Hansen – collected the Group of the Year award, while Tori Kelly was named the Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Billboard Women in Music winners:
Selena Gomez: Chart Topper
Kelsea Ballerini: Rising Star
Fifth Harmony: Group of the Year
Loretta Lynn: Legend
Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard: Powerhouse
Missy Elliott: Innovator
Tori Kelly: Breakthrough Artist
Demi Lovayo: Rulebreaker
Lana Del Rey: Trailblazer
Lady Gaga: Woman of the Year
Lady Gaga wins Woman of the Year at Billboard’s Women in Music event
