We're only two months into 2023 and SZA has already had quite the year.
The Grammy Award winner dropped her sophomore album SOS in early December and it hasn't left the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart since, topping streaming records, charts, and expectations ever since.
Just ahead of Billboard‘s 2023 Woman of the Year ceremony, the publication has named her Woman of the Year.
Though this is only her second album, she's already had quite the career. SZA boasts seven top 10 hits, 38 chart entires, and numerous awards. Her debut album, Ctrl, has remained on the Billboard 200 chart since its release for a total of 295 weeks. In 2021, SZA won a Grammy for best pop duo/group performance for her song with Doja Cat, “Kiss Me More”.
“Since she burst onto the scene in 2017, SZA has defied genres and continually released raw, powerful songs which have landed her music on the Billboard charts,” said Hannah Karp, Billboard’s editorial director, in a press statement. “The release of her latest album, SOS, has solidified her as a distinct force in contemporary R&B, and catapulted her into superstardom. We can’t wait to honor her as Woman of the Year.”
The previous winners of Woman of the Year include Olivia Rodrigo (2022), Cardi B (2020), Billie Eilish (2019), Ariana Grande (2018), Selena Gomez (2017), Madonna (2016), Lady Gaga (2015) and Taylor Swift (2014).
Quinta Brunson will host the Billboard Women in Music Awards will take place March 1st, 2023 at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles. Becky G, Doechii, Ivy Queen, Kim Petras, Latto, Lainey Wilson, Lana Del Rey, and TWICE will be honored at the ceremony.
And if you're looking for new music, SZA hopped onto a remix of Lizzo's latest single, "Special", a bonafide self-love anthem. "FEEL GOOD CAUSE U DESERVE IT !!!!" she tweeted. "Love y’all !"
You can stream the track now.
