Billboard Power 100 Celebrates the Executives Shaping Music’s Future During Grammy Week

On Wednesday, January 28, Billboard brought industry heavyweights together for the Billboard Power 100 Presented by VENU, held at sbe’s Zouk Los Angeles ahead of music’s biggest weekend.

The annual event honored the most influential executives shaping the present and future of the music business, spotlighting leadership, innovation, and cultural impact as the industry heads into the 2026 awards season.

The evening recognized top figures across the business side of music, including Jody Gerson, who received Executive of the Decade, Sharon Osbourne, honored with the Clive Davis Visionary Award, PlaqueBoyMax, recipient of the Disruptor Award, Lucian Grainge, who received the No. 1 Award, Janelle Lopez Genzink, named Executive of the Year, and Alex DePersia, who took home the Breakthrough Award.

High-profile appearances throughout the night underscored the event’s significance, with industry icons including Mariah Carey, Sherry Lansing, Pusha T, Terri Liebler, Clive Davis, and Michelle Anthony in attendance.

Carey opened the awards by presenting Executive of the Decade to Jody Gerson, who reflected on her career and the role music plays in turbulent times. “I have the best job in the world, working with and supporting some of the greatest artists and songwriters of all time,” Gerson shared. She emphasized music’s power to bring hope, unity, and healing during moments of global uncertainty.

Later in the evening, Clive Davis presented the Visionary Award to Sharon Osbourne, praising her for reshaping the industry on her own terms. Accepting the honor, Osbourne reflected on her career and the legacy of her late husband Ozzy Osbourne, highlighting individuality, instinct, and the unmanufacturable “it” factor that defines true greatness in artists.

“Tonight’s Power 100 event captured the vision, innovation, and leadership driving music forward,” said Dana Droppo, Billboard’s Chief Brand Officer. “These executives are shaping the future of our industry, and we are thrilled to honor the impact they are making on music and culture worldwide.”

Guests enjoyed curated cocktails, tray-passed bites, and music from DJ Devin Lucien throughout the night. Event sponsors included Cash App, Goldstate, HarbourView Equity Partners, and SBE.

The full Billboard Power 100 list highlights the executives steering music’s evolution behind the scenes, reminding the industry that while artists may define the sound, leadership defines the direction.