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Mariah the Scientist Shines in Dreamy Billboard Women in Music Debut

Mariah the Scientist made her first award show performance one to remember at Billboard Women in Music 2026, delivering a set that felt both intimate and unforgettable. A Dreamlike Opening…

Mariah the Scientist at the Billboard Women in Music 2026 held at the Hollywood Palladium on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by Rich Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

Mariah the Scientist made her first award show performance one to remember at Billboard Women in Music 2026, delivering a set that felt both intimate and unforgettable.

A Dreamlike Opening

The performance began with a moody take on “Rainy Days,” pulling the audience into Mariah’s world from the very first note. Joined by dancers Kyla Chaney and Etana Kindred, she moved through choreography created by Joya Jackson, whose smooth, understated direction matched the emotional tone of the song perfectly.

Soft lighting and atmospheric staging added to the feeling, creating one of the night’s most immersive and captivating moments.

A Surprise Guest and a Big Celebration

The energy shifted when surprise guest and future tour mate Kali Uchis stepped onto the stage for “Is It a Crime.” The two artists shared an effortless chemistry that lit up the room, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.

Soon after, fellow R&B star Coco Jones took the stage to present Mariah with the Rising Star Award presented by Honda Stage. The moment marked an exciting milestone, with one standout voice honoring another in a celebration of talent, growth, and what is clearly just the beginning.

ABOUT HONDA STAGE

According to Billboard, Honda Stage is the Honda brand’s flagship platform for music, culture, and emerging talent. Building on Honda’s deep foundation of celebrating breakthrough artists and their journeys of discovery as they pursue their dreams, Honda Stage offers exclusive content and live experiences where fans can delve deeper into what inspires these artists. From breakout moments to unique expressions of fashion, dance and music culture, Honda Stage showcases their creativity, passion, and drive to make it big.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.

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