2026 Resonator Awards: Celebrating Women in Music

The 2026 Resonator Awards, presented by We Are Moving the Needle, will take place on January 27, 2026, at Chaplin Studios in Los Angeles. This annual event honors influential women in the music industry, recognizing their contributions to artistry and social change. Comedian Fred Armisen will host the ceremony, which features performances from notable artists including Sia, Thundercat, and Hayley Williams.

Rolling Stone

Among this year's honorees is Chappell Roan, who will receive the Harmonizer Award for leveraging music to promote social change, presented by Nancy Wilson of Heart. Veteran music manager Roger Davies will accept the Transformer Award, celebrating his role in uplifting women's voices in the industry. Other honorees include Chaka Khan, St. Vincent, Haim, Amy Allen, and Gena Johnson, among others. The event will also recognize several inductees into the Resonator Hall of Fame, including Allee Willis and SOPHIE, both honored posthumously.

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The evening will feature a tribute to Chaka Khan, with performances by Grace Bowers, Hayley Williams, Lalah Hathaway, and Maggie Rogers. Presenters for the awards include Olivia Rodrigo, Anderson .Paak, and Jason Isbell, among others. The live music segment is supported by Live Nation Women, which aims to drive progress for women in the music industry.

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In conjunction with the awards, We Are Moving the Needle will host a curated auction featuring exclusive music memorabilia, with proceeds benefiting the organization's scholarship fund. Items available include signed instruments from artists like boygenius and Haim. The auction aims to support opportunities for women in music through scholarships and mentorship.

Variety Magazine

Emily Lazar, founder of We Are Moving the Needle, emphasized the organization's mission: “We Are Moving The Needle is about strengthening the music industry so creators can thrive on their own terms.” Chaka Khan expressed her honor in being part of a movement that celebrates women's creativity and resilience, stating, “Empowered women empower women.”

Rolling Stone

While the Resonator Awards aim to promote inclusivity, some critics argue that the focus on women in music should not overshadow the contributions of male artists and producers. However, the event's organizers maintain that highlighting women's achievements is essential in addressing historical underrepresentation in the industry.

Rolling Stone

The Resonator Awards will continue to evolve, with plans for future events aimed at further empowering women, trans, and non-binary creators in the music industry. The success of this year's awards may lead to expanded initiatives and collaborations within the industry.

Billboard

• “We Are Moving the Needle was founded in 2021 by Grammy-winning mastering engineer, Emily Lazar who notes, “We Are Moving The Needle is about strengthening the music industry so creators can thrive on their own terms.” — Emily Lazar, Founder of We Are Moving the Needle

Variety Magazine

• “Empowered women empower women. I am honored to be part of a movement that celebrates the creativity, resilience, and determination of women creators everywhere. We lift each other and shine. Together, we are moving the needle.” — Chaka Khan, Luminary Award Recipient

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