The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is set to celebrate three remarkable talents at its 17th annual Women Behind the Music event on November 12 in Los Angeles, recognizing Kehlani, Kali Uchis, and EJAE for their groundbreaking contributions and chart-topping success across diverse musical genres.
The music world is buzzing with the announcement that the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor three extraordinary artists at its 17th annual Women Behind the Music event. Scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, in Los Angeles, this year’s ceremony shines a spotlight on five-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Kehlani, Grammy Award-winning global recording artist Kali Uchis, and the rising star EJAE, known as the lead vocalist and songwriter for KPop Demon Hunters.
This prestigious event, a highlight of the music calendar, is dedicated to recognizing the inspiring achievements of women leaders within the music community. The selected honorees join an impressive roster of past recipients, including celebrated songwriters, artists, managers, attorneys, label executives, and music publishers, cementing their place among music’s most influential figures.
The Vision Behind the Celebration
Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP Executive Vice President & Head of Creative Membership, articulated the significance of this year’s choices. “Every year, ASCAP looks forward to spotlighting some of music’s most extraordinary women by honoring them for their achievements at our Women Behind the Music event,” she stated. George-Middleton emphasized the organization’s excitement to recognize “three women who are pushing boundaries and capturing the world’s attention across different genres.”
She further highlighted that their “creative success has propelled them to the top of the charts and is set to inspire the next generation of women in music.” This sentiment underscores ASCAP’s commitment to fostering talent and acknowledging the profound impact these artists have on the industry and their audiences, as reported by Variety.
Kehlani: Redefining R&B’s Authentic Voice
Kehlani stands as a powerful force in contemporary R&B, celebrated for her raw honesty and innovative sound. With five Grammy Award nominations, over 20 gold and platinum RIAA certifications, and more than five billion streams, her career trajectory is nothing short of meteoric. Her ability to connect deeply with listeners through music that is both elevated and profoundly human has earned her a dedicated global fanbase.
The year 2024 saw Kehlani dominate with her fourth full-length album, Crash, which garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album. The hit single “After Hours” also received a nod for Best R&B Performance and amassed over 279 million streams. Her 2025 single “Folded” has continued this success, securing her first solo Billboard #1 and topping Apple Music’s R&B charts in both the US and UK, with over 300 million global streams. Her recent collaboration with Cardi B, “Safe,” has also captivated audiences, demonstrating her enduring influence and versatility.
Kali Uchis: A Global Icon Breaking Genre Barriers
Grammy Award-winning global recording artist Kali Uchis has consistently been hailed as a rare talent since her emergence. Her artistry seamlessly blends R&B, alt-pop, reggaeton, and Latin strains, creating a distinctive sound that resonates worldwide. Her album Red Moon in Venus (2023) was praised by Time Magazine as the best album of the year and featured the two-time platinum-certified “Moonlight.”
In 2024, Uchis released Orquídeas, her highest-charting album to date, debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200. This critically adored record earned nominations for Best Latin Pop Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards and Best Pop Vocal Album at the Latin Grammys. Her major breakthrough, the 2021 smash hit “Telepatía,” has been streamed over two billion times and was the Billboard Hot 100’s longest-running Spanish-language song by a solo act this decade. Uchis is poised to achieve three entries in the Spotify Billions Club, a testament to her widespread global appeal and enduring hits.
EJAE: The K-Pop Phenomenon and Rising Star
EJAE, born Kim Eun-Jae, is a New York City-based songwriter, vocalist, and artist whose rise to prominence has been swift and impactful. She is the singing voice of Rumi, the leader of Huntr/x, the girl group featured in the hit Netflix/Sony animated movie KPop Demon Hunters. Beyond her vocal performance, EJAE was instrumental in the movie’s musical development, with director Maggie Kang describing her as the “heart and soul” of the girl group.
Her songwriting prowess is undeniable, co-writing the record-breaking single “Golden,” which has topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200 charts, amassing over 700 million streams on Spotify. EJAE also contributed to several other top 20 Billboard Hot 100 tracks from the soundtrack and has an impressive list of credits for world-renowned K-Pop groups, including aespa, Red Velvet, LE SSERAFIM, TWICE, Taeyeon, NMIXX, and FIFTY FIFTY. Her debut solo single, “In Another World,” was recently released on October 24, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in her career.
Celebrating Impact and Inspiring Futures
The 2025 ASCAP Women Behind the Music event is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a powerful affirmation of the creativity, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements of women in the music industry. By honoring Kehlani, Kali Uchis, and EJAE, ASCAP highlights artists who are not only achieving massive commercial success but also shaping the cultural conversation and inspiring a new generation of music creators.
The event, set to feature music by DJ C. Devone, serves as a beacon for emerging talent, demonstrating that dedication, innovation, and authenticity can lead to global recognition and lasting impact. As these three trailblazers receive their well-deserved “flowers,” their stories will undoubtedly motivate countless others to pursue their artistic dreams and push the boundaries of what is possible in music.
About ASCAP: Supporting Music Creators Globally
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a leading professional membership organization of songwriters, composers, and music publishers. With over 1.1 million members, ASCAP plays a crucial role in the music ecosystem by licensing a vast repertory of over 20 million musical works to hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide, including streaming services, television, radio, and brick-and-mortar establishments. Learn more about their mission and work at ASCAP’s official website.
ASCAP operates on a not-for-profit basis, returning nearly 90 cents of every dollar collected to its members as royalties. Their commitment extends beyond collections, advocating for the rights of music creators on Capitol Hill, driving industry innovation, and providing essential resources and support for members to succeed in their careers. The Women Behind the Music event is a prime example of their dedication to recognizing and celebrating the diverse talent within their community.
