Displayed above are social media sharing buttons for various platforms. Erykah Badu made a striking appearance at the Billboard Women in Music event in Los Angeles by wearing a tan suit that emphasized her buttocks, seemingly making a statement on Brazilian Butt Lift culture. Her outfit sparked discussions on social media, with some praising her bold choice and others finding humor in the critique of extreme plastic surgery practices.
During the event, Summer Walker presented Erykah Badu with the Music Icon Award, highlighting their close connection as Badu served as the doula for Walker's twin sons. Badu, known for her thought-provoking style, emphasized in her speech the importance of breaking boundaries in art and shared a memorable anecdote with her daughter about the significance of the female anatomy.
The Billboard Women in Music 2025 ceremony was held at the YouTube Theater, with Laverne Cox as the host celebrating women's achievements in the music industry, from artists to executives. Notable award recipients included Doechii as Woman of the Year and aespa as Group of the Year. The event also honored individuals like Ángela Aguilar, Jennie from BLACKPINK, Tina Knowles, and Gracie Abrams in various categories.
Live performances by honorees such as Ángela Aguilar, Tyla, and Badu entertained the audience, with the event broadcasted for free on VIZIO WatchFree+ to reach a broader viewership. The red carpet featured appearances by artists like Meghan Trainor and GloRilla. Erykah Badu is currently working on a new album with The Alchemist, her first official studio album since "New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)" in 2010, following her mixtape release "But You Cain’t Use My Phone" in 2015.