Lainey Wilson Photo Credit Kevin Mazur-Getty for Audacy

Dazzling lights and excited cheers rippled through the crowd this past Thursday as legends to emerging artists alike lit up the stage in Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre for Audacy’s 5th annual Leading Ladies concert presented by Olay Body. Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson, Alessia Cara, Kassi Ashton and Haven Madison were included in this year’s powerful female fronted lineup to celebrate women’s history month by opening up about their personal experiences in the music industry in addition to performing some of their greatest hits.

This year, Women Who Rock had the honor of joining the fun too!

As a musician in her own right, Berklee College of Music graduate, Recording Academy member, former industry leader at companies like ShowClix and Live Nation and now Women Who Rock’s Founder and CEO—Melinda Colaizzi has done it all!

I had the pleasure of sitting down to interview Melinda in order to shed light on the significance of this important event to spotlight women in music and aid in women’s health research. Our conversation is shown below.

How did WWR become a part of Audacy’s annual Leading Ladies concert?

I’m incredibly proud that Women Who Rock was part of Audacy’s 2025 Leading Ladies concert. This collaboration came together so naturally—Audacy’s commitment to elevating women in music deeply resonates with our mission at Women Who Rock. From the moment we connected, it was clear we shared a powerful vision: creating platforms that uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of women artists.

Being at Leading Ladies this year was a true honor. To witness icons like Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson, Alessia Cara, Kassi Ashton, and Haven Madison share not just their music, but the stage together in such an intimate setting—it was magic. The stripped-down acoustic format allowed for a rare vulnerability and sisterhood on stage, which is exactly the kind of authenticity and connection we aim to foster through Women Who Rock.

What made this year even more special is that, for the first time, Women Who Rock was able to bring our women’s health mission into the conversation. We were proud to incorporate a focus on women’s health equity and raise awareness about the urgent need for more research and support in this space. It was a meaningful opportunity to bridge the worlds of music and impact—something at the core of what we do.

This event aligned so closely with our mission: celebrating women in music while championing a more equitable and inclusive industry.

Other than celebrating women, were there any special themes to the show?

This year’s Leading Ladies concert was more than a celebration; it was a full-sensory experience rooted in empowerment, storytelling, and impact. From the moment you walked in, the atmosphere radiated strength and sisterhood.

Women Who Rock was able to turn up the volume on women’s health in a big way. Our on-site activation was buzzing with energy packed with women eager to learn more, share their stories, and find ways to join our movement. It became a space not only to engage, but to educate and inspire action. We saw firsthand how deeply women care about their health and their futures, and how music can be a catalyst for change.

Fashion played a huge role in the vibe of the night. From sequins and shimmer to cowboy hats and boho glam, each attendee brought her own signature style. We always love checking out everyone's concert looks and how many women also feel empowered to rep our Women Who Rock apparel line at these events!

What kind of music did the ladies perform?

The concert was a showcase of both iconic anthems and fresh new music. Each artist brought her own unique voice and energy to the stage, creating an unforgettable night.

Gwen Stefani had the crowd on their feet with stripped-down versions of some of her biggest hits—including a stripped-down rendition of “Just A Girl” that had everyone singing along.

How will this show benefit women’s health?

This year’s Leading Ladies concert wasn’t just about incredible music, it was also about making real change for women’s health. Through our partnership with Magee-Women’s Research Institute, the event raised vital awareness and funds to support groundbreaking research focused specifically on women’s unique health needs—something that has historically been underfunded and understudied.

Through our on-site activation, we turned up the volume on women’s health advocacy. Attendees didn’t just enjoy the show, they also learned about the current state of women’s health research, had conversations that mattered, and many joined our movement to demand better. It was powerful to witness so many women energized to take action.

Audacy generously donated $2 from every ticket and fans will soon have the opportunity to bid on a one-of-a-kind guitar autographed by all the performers, with all proceeds benefiting women’s health research.

Plus, it doesn’t stop there—donations are still being accepted at mageewomens.org/wwr, and Audacy is continuing to amplify the movement on air and across their platforms.

Is there anything else Women Who Rockers should know that you’d like to add about this concert?

What truly moved me beyond the performances was the incredible female leadership behind the scenes. I left this event deeply inspired by the powerhouse women at Audacy who helped bring the vision to life from their dynamic new CEO, Kelli Turner, to the on-air talent who emceed the night, Katie Neal and Karen Carson.

Working with their sales, events, and activation teams, many of whom are strong, creative women leading the charge, was a reminder of what’s possible when women in this industry lift each other up. I couldn’t be more proud of what we accomplished together.

To all our Women Who Rockers out there: thank you for being a part of this moment, and stay tuned. This movement is only growing.