Lugano – Tate McRae will receive the “Hitmaker” Award at Billboard Women in Music 2026 on April 29 at Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The Canadian singer follows a breakout year marked by MTV VMA wins, international chart success, and major soundtrack placements.
The ceremony will celebrate women who are shaping the future of music through creativity, influence, and commercial impact, acting as a platform that amplifies the voices of female artists who continue to redefine the industry, break barriers, and lead cultural conversations worldwide.
Chart success across music and film
McRae was recognized at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, which took place on September 7at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The singer took home two “Moon Person” trophies for her single “Just Keep Watching”: “Song of the Summer” and “Best Editing.”
The wins highlighted her growing reputation as both a hitmaker and a visually driven performer.
The track gained momentum after being featured in “F1: The Movie,” the Oscar-nominated racing blockbuster released in 2025.
This has positioned McRae’s music at the center of one of the year’s most acclaimed cinematic releases, earning her a Grammy nomination for “Best Dance Pop” Recording and marking a pivotal crossover moment between pop music and blockbuster cinema.
McRae’s momentum extended well beyond the soundtrack. Her third studio album, “So Close to What”, debuted at No. 1 in both the United States and Canada, reinforcing her evolution from breakout star to fully established pop force.
Singles such as “Sports Car” and “Tit for Tat” showcased her sharp songwriting instincts, while sustaining strong streaming and radio performance throughout the year.
Her collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “What I Want,” delivered McRae her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, further broadening her appeal across genres and marking a major crossover milestone in her career.
Upcoming performance
McRae’s run of success will continue into 2026 with a major festival appearance at the Osheaga2026, held from July 31 until August 2, where she is set to headline the internationally renowned event in Montreal.
One of North America’s premier music and art festivals, Osheaga draws tens of thousands of fans each year and features a carefully curated lineup spanning pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.
McRae’s inclusion as a headliner underscores her growing global stature and marks another milestone in her transition from breakout star to top-billed festival act.
