Billboard and Lifetime Ink Deal to Televise Women in Music Event

Lifetime – the channel dedicated to showcasing programming that give women a reason not to feel guilty about being homebound on Saturday nights is now forging a new bond with Billboard.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the women’s network has inked a three-year deal with Billboard to bring the much-heralded Women in Music event to the small screen. This is the very first time in history that the usually closed-door affair will be televised.

It has also been confirmed that Lady Gaga will be celebrated as Billboard’s Woman of the Year 2015 – an honor that was bequeathed to last year’s recipient – Taylor Swift.

Last years selection of honorees also included Aretha Franklin, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Jessie J and Charli XCX. This year’s roster of talents will be announced in due time.

There is no doubt that Lifetime is the appropriate host for an event that recognizes women in music based on outstanding contributions and global cultural influence. Liz Gateley, executive vp and head of programming at Lifetime illustrated that same sentiment in a statement regarding the dually lucrative deal, “We are delighted to partner with Billboard on this special event, bringing it to a mass audience for the first time ever”. She went on to usher praise to this year’s budding recipient, “Lady Gaga is an extraordinary artist, emblematic of the strength, courage and fortitude that Lifetime celebrates, and we are thrilled to offer our platform to recognize her in every way she deserves”.

There is no doubt that Gaga is deserving based on her litany of accomplishments and her starry presence will definitely ensure that a fair amount of viewers will tune in when the inaugural event that will be held at Cipriani Midtown in New York air Dec. 18.