The 13th edition of The She Rocks Awards was celebrated this January 2025 at the Hilton in Anaheim. The event continues to amplify women’s voices, by honoring female icons and empower behind-the-scenes gals shaping the future of the audio industry.
The 2025 gala centered on the tumultuous political landscape affecting gender equality and the musical stories lost during the devastating LA wildfires. We also enjoyed live performances by beloved female artists like Lidnsey Stirling and Paula Cole, and top audio executives such as Beth Heidt, CMO of Gibson Brand shared moving speeches about the future of sound.
The She Rocks Awards is organized by the Women’s International Music Network (WIMN) every year as part of the National Association of Music Merchants Show, better known as NAMM. Vision Music Magazine was front and center during this inspiring night, capturing inspiring moments for you. Join us in revisiting our favorite highlights from this year’s celebration:
#1 Star-Studded Opening Performance
PRS Guitars artist and John Meyer opener, Shantaia kicked off the night with an electrifying performance. The artist announced a new album in the works and new single called “Faster Horses” available on Spotify.
#2 A Powerful Tribute to Wildfire Victims
After losing their home in the Pacific Palisades fires, former honoree Starr Parodi and her daughter Isolde Maria Parodi Fair performed a mash-up of Time Traveller and California Dreaming to show their love of the City of Angels on stage. Parodi was also presented with a new She Rocks Award to replace the one lost in the fires.
#3 Paula Cole’s Emotional Speech & Performance
The GRAMMY-winning artist and 2025 She Rocks Icon honoree made us travel back to the 90s with a stripped-down rendition of I Don’t Wanna Wait. As a former teacher, Cole urged young women to fight to become the musical entrepreneurs or creators they were meant to be, even if the journey is unpredictable. “This is the life of an artist. We hear the call because we must. There is no other path and in this way we are free… There is the trying, and then there is nothing else”, said Cole.
#4 Amanda Palmer’s Bold Message
The dark cabaret singer of The Dresden Dolls and fearless author delivered a stirring speech about the role of allies in today’s gender ideology extremism and the power of quiet core, better known as the freedom of respecting female voices at any volume. She then beautifully played the piano on a heartfelt performance of Voicemail for Jill.
#5 Alecia “Mixi” Demner Asked Us to Keep the Fire Alive
The Stitched Up Heart frontwoman helped us let our inner metalheads out during her fiery performance. The band also celebrated their first-ever award in 15 years. “Some people have this intense passion and fire for something that’s so strong that there is no amount of fear or criticism that can extinguish it”, said Mixi during her acceptance speech. The singer also stayed after the ceremony to chat with fellow recipients and fans who were excited to know what’s next for the band.
#6 Industry Leaders Championing Women
Honorees Beth Heidt (Gibson CMO) and Chris Schyvinck (Shure Inc. CEO) emphasized the importance of mentorship and increasing opportunities for women in the music industry. “The responsibility of amplifying voices of women in this industry and encourage them to become actively involved is a true passion”, said Schyvinck.
#7 Lindsey Stirling’s Electrifying Duet
The genre-bending violinist, Lindsey Stirling, continues to redefine the classical genre with incredible dance routines. During her She Rocks performance she stunned the audience with an unforgettable presentation alongside Christa, a professional violinist who she randomly picked at a concert years ago and is now a rising star.
#8 AIJIA & Andy Grammer’s Special Moment
The powerhouse vocalist was joined by her husband, multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer, for the song “gray”. The couple shared a little bit of her 14-year love story and their new lifestyle as parents. AIJIA also spoke about imposter syndrome and taking risks as artists, “Shirley Chisholm said, ‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair’, and I want you to know i’m bringing one for you”, said AIJIA.
#9 Samantha Fish’s Show-Stopping Finale
What better way to bring down the house than with blues and rock & roll! The GRAMMY-nominated artist closed the 2025 edition of She Rocks with two amazingly played songs, “Honey Kick Out the Jams” and “Turn it up”
#10 Celebrating Women from All Corners of the Industry
Honorees included legendary musicians, executives, entrepreneurs, and innovators like Jennifer Batten, Laura Whitmore, Rozanna Weinberger, Theresa Hoffman, Nurit Siegel Smith, and Katie Daryl, all recognized for their contributions to music and audio.
Written by: Sahula Diaz-Castrejón
Photos by Eli Chavez and Scott Mitchell
