This article was created in partnership with Yahoo.
Billboard Women in Music 2026 was a stunning testament to the power of women supporting women across the music industry, including the artists, executives, and the teams who move culture. Just ask our red carpet co-host Drew Afualo.
Afualo, a New York Times bestselling author, creator and host of The Comment Section podcast known for her deep devotion to women, brought contagious energy to the evening. As a friend and admirer of some of the artists honored during the ceremony, she represented the fan perspective on the red carpet, presented by Yahoo. Fans sent in questions for the honorees via Billboard’s Instagram Stories and TikTok, with select submissions asked live during the red carpet livestream.
However, her hosting gig would not have been possible without proper preparation. The multihyphenate streamlined her organization ahead of the event in partnership with the new Planner feature in Yahoo Mail. Read on to hear about the hosting experience from Afualo, get an inside look at her preparation for the big day, and Try Planner By Yahoo Mail yourself.
You co-hosted this year’s Billboard Women in Music red carpet, and you hosted talent backstage the year before. What is special to you about Women in Music vs. other award shows you’ve worked?
I think the most special thing about this particular award show is the energy in the room. It almost feels lighter and full of warmth, in the best way possible. And I like to think that’s because that’s how it feels to be loved and supported by women. It’s the most beautiful feeling in the world.
You just collaborated with Billboard and Yahoo Mail with Planner to get ready for Billboard Women in Music. How has Planner helped your preparation as a creative?
I’m a Virgo, so obviously, I love organization. The new Planner feature in Yahoo Mail makes it easy to turn important emails into events and tasks with simple actions — even just a swipe — so all my important details stay organized in one place. Having everything front and center helps clear the mental clutter, so I can focus more on being creative and making work feel a little more like play.
Hunter Cohen
Hunter Cohen
You are a seasoned interviewer with host roles on Two Idiot Girls and The Comment Section. What makes a compelling interview?
For me, personally, I love celebrity interviews that give talent the opportunity to open up at their own pace. We’re so used to seeing celebrities polished and rehearsed, and I pride myself on getting them to open up in a way maybe people haven’t seen before. I think giving them that comfort and space allows for the best kind of interview.
We celebrated all the Women in Music. Now, let’s celebrate you! What is your favorite creative, career moment from the past year?
I would say selling two more books, but this time in the fiction space. BookTok girls: I’m coming for your gig! Period!
Now that you’ve crushed our red carpet and booked artists on your own shows, how do you hope to grow your relationship with music fans?
I hope I can continue to talk with even more musicians who are experts in their craft and giving their art to the world, which hopefully helps me connect more with their fans! Fangirls make the world go ‘round, and I’ve always said that!
You started your career in sports, carved out your own path, and now you’re here. What message do you have to share with young girls and women who aspire to work across entertainment?
I would say that there is nothing more unique in this world than you, and the entertainment world needs more uniqueness. Make art for the sake of making art, not to become famous … it’s more important now than ever!
