Sarah Geronimo becomes 1st Filipina to win the Billboard Global Force Award

Sarah Geronimo made history as the first Filipina to be honored at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.

On Thursday, the Popstar Royalty accepted the Global Force Award at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, California, wearing a pink custom-made Michael Cinco corset dress and sporting a wolf cut hair.

In her acceptance speech, Sarah said “this recognition signifies courage and hope. Courage to accept and embrace one’s self and the courage to break boundaries and rise above all the setbacks and challenges that every artist needs to face.”

“And the hope that one day, this meaningful moment will bridge the gap between the Philippines and other nations, collaborating, uniting as one to create change and positivity in the world through music. Once again I am Sarah Geronimo, from the Philippines. Mabuhay ang OPM. Maraming maraming Salamat po.”

Sarah accepted the historic win at the Billboard Women In Music alongside husband Matteo Guidicelli, who who exclaimed on Instagram, “You are the Global force! Congratulations! Keep making music!” 

Chosen by Billboard Philippines, Sarah became one of the first very recipient of the Global Force Award alongside Italy’s Annalisa and Brazil’s Luísa Sonza.

Aside from Sarah, other honorees include Karol G (Woman of the Year)), Ice Spice (Hitmaker), NewJeans (Group of the Year), and Victoria Monet (Rising Star).

According to Billboard, the awards honor women across generations and music genres who define today’s sound.

In February, Sarah released the song “My Mind” with Billy Crawford.

She is known for songs like the viral “Tala,” and the iconic “Forever’s Not Enough,” among many others.

— Billboard Philippines (@BBPHOfficial) March 7, 2024

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News