Tyla and Zara Larsson’s unstoppable friendship steals the show at Billboard Women in Music 2026

Move over, Hollywood, the industry’s newest power duo just took over the red carpet, and their chemistry is giving us everything we didn’t know we needed.

The Hollywood Palladium was buzzing last night, April 29, for the 2026 Billboard Women in Music Awards.

While the night was dedicated to mentoring and industry change, all eyes were on South African global superstar Tyla, who was there for a very special mission: presenting the Breakthrough Award to her "it-girl" bestie and recent collaborator Zara Larsson.

A friendship that’s "for real"

Before the trophies started moving, Tyla stopped to chat about her Swedish counterpart, and her praise was sweet and sincere.

In a world of filtered personalities, Tyla made it clear that Larsson is the real deal.

"It's always good to have a girl that you can be honest with, that you can rock with, you can have fun with. Hollywood can be very pretentious, you know.

"So I love that she's a pure soul. She's real, guys. She's a real one. For real," she said during the interview on the red carpet. 

"She Did It Again"

The pair’s friendship hit a fever pitch earlier this month with the release of "She Did It Again", the second single from Tyla’s highly anticipated sophomore album, "A-POP".

The track is an Afrobeats-infused pop anthem that dives deep into the dangerous seduction of the divine feminine.

With Zara’s high-energy vocals dancing over Tyla’s signature smooth, rhythmic flow, the song has already become a huge hit across the globe. 

Modern-day icons

The music video, a visual feast of desert landscapes and cascading waterfalls directed by Aerin Moreno, has sparked a total meltdown on social media.

Critics and fans alike are drawing massive comparisons to Shakira and Beyoncé’s legendary "Beautiful Liar" era.

When asked about the comparison on the red carpet, Tyla didn't shy away from the heat: "I mean, I get it. That's a compliment, 'Beautiful Liar', that means we are among the greats. Two hot girls together. Hot and sexy."

In another interview, she said, "I first went to the studio with her, and we were listening to both our music. She was lying on the floor, and we were like vibing. And music video time, it was like I was shooting with my friend. It just fell into place ...

"She feels like me in a different font. Like we just go together, you know, it was really fun." 

Meanwhile, fans are loving the fact that these two have found each other.

"I love their friendship! It’s so refreshing to see girls fan girling each other. 🔥🔥I hope we see more unity among these young Superstars!!🔥🔥I love me some TYLA," said @lorrymoyo. 

@rosemelorrr commented: "May you both live the friendship long ride journey girl❤️."

Another user said: "I just love how this new generation of our Gen Z Pop-stars/music stars are just a girls girls. ALL of them are always hyping and fan girling each each other up. No beefing or unhealthy competition."