“Ariana Grande is a star on her own terms, never bending to any particular musical trend or path in the industry,” says Ross Scarano, Billboard’s vp of content. “Certain in her convictions, she consistently stands up for herself and her decisions in a world that often isn’t hospitable to that sort of strength in young women. She’s got guts, she’s making some of the best music of her career, and she’s absolutely deserving of Woman of the Year.”

This year, Ariana’s fourth album Sweetener went No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, marking the third time that she’s done so, also earning her the largest streaming week of all time for a pop album by a female artist. She’s also being recognized for her involvement in the March For Our Lives initiative, advocating for better gun control legislation, mental health awareness, gender equality, Black Lives Matter, and LGBTQ rights. She is also credited with helping raise $23 million to help victims and families affected by the Manchester Arena bombing at her concert last year with the One Love Manchester benefit concert.