A Night With Rachel Platten, Judith Hill & Others at the 2026 She Rocks Awards
Friday night at The 2026 NAMM Show is She Rocks Awards night, where attendees look forward to being in the same room as pioneering female artists across the music industry. Don’t miss a special event known for high-energy performances, inspirational speeches from musical trailblazers and prime networking among the who’s who of the music industry.
The event takes place January 23, 2026, in the Hilton Hotel Pacific Ballroom and includes a full course dinner and gift bag for all who attend. Take a look at the 2026 honorees:
Judith Hill
Judith Hill is a GRAMMY-winning soul singer and songwriter who has collaborated with music icons Prince, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson and filmmaker Spike Lee. Her albums include "Back in Time" (2015), "Golden Child (2018), "Baby, I'm Hollywood! (2021), and "Letters from a Black Widow" (2024).
Hill grew up in a musical household — her mother and father both being musicians. She drew inspiration from extensive listening to gospel music, soul, Brazilian and classical artists.
“The gift of music is such a powerful thing,” she said in “The Interview The Artist,” adding, “I think our duties as singers and artists is so important. We really can bring people together. We can bring healing, we can bring laughter and joy.” Attendees will get to hear more from Judith Hill and learn about the full span of her work at the 2026 She Rocks Awards.
Sophie Burrell
Sophie Burrell started playing guitar at 9 years old, but even before that young age she knew she was going to be a guitarist. Today, she is one of the most exciting artists performing and sharing with guitar enthusiasts, who love her virtuosity and creative playing style. Her talent has drawn numerous collaborations with top brands, including PRS Guitars, D'Addario, BOSS, EVH Gear, Neural DSP and Mixwave. Burrell's clinics and masterclasses are often sold out. Her original music debuts in 2025.
As for her presence on social media, she says in “The Captain Meets Sophie Burrell” YouTube interview that "being genuine" and "just show who you are" is her approach for creating content and engaging with her fans. She adds, "Make content you yourself would like to watch," and encourages others to do the same.
Don't miss Burrell’s opening act at the 2026 She Rocks Awards.
Rhonda Smith
Rhonda Smith’s career is packed with rich musical works and collaborations, making her a must-see honoree at the 2026 She Rocks Awards. A bassist, vocalist and songwriter, Smith spent nearly a decade touring with Prince, which included playing for 88 sold-out concerts on his Musicology Tour. Smith’s career led her to perform with Jeff Beck, Beyonce, Chaka Khan and Patrice Rushen, among many other music giants.
Year 2000 marked her first solo release, “Intellipop,” and her second solo album “RS2” features Prince on guitar in her song, “Time.”
Her first important connection in the music industry happened in the 90s at The NAMM Show when she met Sheila E, who ended up delivering Smith’s press kit to Prince, leading to Smith's years-long career alongside the Purple Rain icon. In 2026, the She Rocks Awards brings her back full circle to The NAMM Show to celebrate the achievements of her career.
In “The Sessions Panel” interview with Dom Famularo, Smith gives advice to those seeking a career in the music industry: “Love for your instrument, love for music, that has to be there fundamentally. That’s what gets us through the craziness.”
Rachel Platten
Rachel Platten's songwriting comes from her "raw open wild heart." The Emmy Award-winning artist captured millions around the world with her raw expression beginning with "Fight Song," a powerful anthem that's been streamed over 3 billion times. In September of 2025, she released “Fight Song (Rachel's Version),” an album that revisits her most influential songs. Other works include "Trust in Me" (2003), "Be Here" (2011), and "Wildfire" (2015).
When podcaster Lewis Howes asked Platten what she would say to those who have big dreams in the music industry, Platten said that as the “Fight Song” girl, she’s the first to say never give up. “I’m going to tell you to dig in harder, and work harder, and go and find some more tools and turn within.” Fans attending the She Rocks Awards can expect more motivating words from this inspirational, global-reaching artist.
Don’t Miss Incredible Artists at the 2026 She Rocks Awards
The annual She Rocks Awards is one of the most sought-after nights at The NAMM Show, so don’t delay in ordering your tickets. Be among top-notch artists, network with industry leaders, and enhance your musical experience. Register for The 2026 NAMM Show to take part in an entire week of live music, gear demos and education sessions — it’s where every music industry pro kicks off the new year.