Kehlani, Kali Uchis and EJAE are the latest trailblazers to be honored by ASCAP’s Women Behind the Music. Newly minted 2026 Grammy nominees Kehlani and EJAE (part of the HUNTR/X trio behind the KPop Demon Hunters breakout hit “Golden”) along with Grammy winning-artist Uchis were recognized for their artistry, cultural impact and contributions to the music industry.
The trio were presented with personalized plaques by Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP executive vp & head of creative membership inside West Hollywood’s The Fleur Room on Wednesday evening.
Commenting on this year’s honoree slate, George-Middleton said, “ASCAP Women Behind the Music is more than an annual event for us. We not only spotlight women for their impactful contributions to the music community, we also hope to inspire the next generation of young women to use their artistry, leadership and boldness to navigate challenges they may face in the industry.
“Last night,” she continued, “we honored three of the most extraordinary women in music today including EJAE, who co-wrote the record-breaking single “Golden” from Neftlix’s most-streamed film K-Pop Demon Hunters; Kali Uchis, who has reached the Spotify Billions Club four times; and Kehlani, who has earned over 20 gold and platinum RIAA certifications, accumulating more than five billion streams.”
Multi award-winning songwriter Diane Warren poses for a photo at the 2025 ASCAP Women
Behind the Music Event in Los Angeles, CA on November 12, 2025.
Robin Marshall for ASCAP
Also spotted in the audience were Cheryl “Salt” James of Salt-N-Pepa, fresh from the pioneering hip-hop trio’s recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, who is a 2026 best music film Grammy nominee for the documentary Relentless. In attendance as well was Grammy-winning songwriter and 2022 ASCAP Women Behind the Music honoree Joelle James.
Grammy award-winning rapper and newly inducted member of the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of
Fame Cheryl “Salt of Salt-N-Pepa” James is all smiles at the 2025
at the 2025 ASCAP Women Behind the Music Event in Los Angeles, CA
on November 12, 2025.
Robin Marshall for ASCAP
Now in its 17th year, ASCAP Women Behind the Music spotlights songwriters, artists and executives who are forging inroads in the music industry. In addition to the aforementioned James and Salt-N-Papa, prior ASCAP Women Behind the Music honorees include Kelly Rowland, Coco Jones, Jazmine Sullivan, production/songwriting duo Nova Wav and executives Phylicia Fant of Amazon and Nicole Wyskoarko of Interscope.
This story originally appeared on Billboard
