Local pop queen Sarah Geronimo is making history as the first Filipina to receive the Global Force Award at the annual Billboard Women in Music event.
Slated for March 6 at the YouTube Theater in California, United States, the ceremony coincides with Women’s Month, celebrated from March 1 to 31.
Since its inception in 2007, the Billboard Women in Music has honored music icons like Madonna, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and Katy Perry with the Woman of the Year award.
This year, Billboard introduces the Global Force Award, with Sarah G as the first Filipina recipient alongside Brazilian singer Luísa Sonza and Italian artist Annalisa.
“Honored and grateful to be one of the recipients of Billboard’s Global Force Award. This recognition belongs to every dreamer and amazing Filipino artist we have. Mabuhay ang OPM. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” the 35-year-old Geronino said in an Instagram story.
The event will not only celebrate Sarah G’s achievements but also acknowledge other talented female singers from around the globe. Among the honorees are Karol G from Colombia receiving the Woman of the Year award, Kylie Minogue from Australia receiving the Icon Award, Maren Morris from the USA receiving the Visionary Award, Charlie XCX from England receiving the Powerhouse Award, Tems from Nigeria receiving the Breakthrough Award Young, and Miko from Puerto Rico receiving the Impact Award.
Sarah G, who married actor Matteo Guidicelli in 2020, started her career in 2002 after winning the television talent show Star for a Night. She signed a recording contract with Viva Records and released her debut album Popstar: A Dream Come True the following year. The album sold more than 300,000 units in the Philippines.
Throughout her career that spans two decades, Sarah G has released 13 studio albums, four video albums, one live album, one compilation album, four soundtrack albums, and 31 singles. She is known for songs like the viral “Tala,” the iconic “Forever’s Not Enough,” and “To Love You More” (a cover of Celine Dion’s classic hit), among many others.