Filipino-American artist H.E.R. honored her Filipina mother as she accepted the American Express Impact Award during Billboard’s annual Women in Music event in the United States.
The multi-awarded singer was recognized as this year’s Impact Award honoree for using her platform to create positive social change while advocating for women in the music industry and beyond.
H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella “Gabi” Sarmiento Wilson, accepted the award after performing her 2018 track “Fate” at the star-studded event held at the YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California.
In her awards acceptance speech, the powerhouse singer thanked all the women in her life who have inspired her, including her Filipina mother who was in the show’s audience to watch her receive the award and perform at the event.
“Shoutout to my Filipino mother, who’s in the house tonight,” H.E.R. said in her speech during the event held on March 2, 2022.
“I want to thank my mom for teaching me to stay humble, be grounded, and be hardworking,” H.E.R. said. “You know, she always believed in me from day one. She was pregnant with my sister rolling my heavy equipment to every performance she could possibly get me and that is the reason why I’m standing here today.”
“You are impacting so many other people, you have no idea, through me, just in giving me a voice. I’m now using my voice to give others a voice and to pave the way for other young women,” the four-time Grammy winner said.
H.E.R., who was born to a Filipina mother and an African-American father, earlier expressed that she takes pride in her mixed Filipino heritage. The singer even dedicated her first Oscar win to Black and Filipino girls and gave a shout-out to her Pinoy fans with an entertaining video that pays tribute to her Filipino roots.
H.E.R. also joined her fellow Fil-Am honorees at the Billboard event including teenage pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, who was named Billboard’s Woman of the Year, and rapper Saweetie, the winner of the Game Changer Award.
Hosted by American singer-songwriter Ciara this year, the annual Women in Music Billboard Awards recognized music’s top female artists, producers, and executives for their contributions to the music industry and their communities.
Other honorees this year include women trailblazers in music such as Gabby Barrett, Phoebe Bridgers, Doja Cat, Golnar Khosrowshahi, Karol G, Bonnie Raitt, and Summer Walker.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to Filipino-American artist H.E.R. for winning the American Express Impact Award at Billboard’s Women in Music awards and WATCH her full speech at the event honoring her Filipina mother and other inspiring women here.
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