Billboard Names 2025's Women in Music Group of the Year: Aespa

K-pop girl group aespa is gaining recognition for its unique blend of human and virtual performances, having achieved significant success with its mini-album 'Whiplash' making it the first K-pop girl group to reach the Billboard 200 top 50 six times. The members aim to emphasize their real-life personalities amidst their cyberpunk-inspired personas, with Giselle expressing their desire for fans to relate to their human traits. Meanwhile, Billboard's recent list of the biggest female artists of the 21st century has sparked controversy, with fans expressing outrage over rankings that placed Taylor Swift at No. 1, followed by Rihanna and Beyoncé. Critics argue that the list overlooks influential artists like Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, leading to heated discussions online. The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards highlighted female artists, with Billie Eilish winning Album of the Year and Lady Gaga receiving the Innovator Award, further showcasing the importance of women's contributions in the music industry. Additionally, Billboard's rankings of the least successful female singers have drawn criticism for perceived biases and questionable criteria.