'Grateful for Allowing Us to Show Our Emotions': Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, BigXthaPlug, Rosé and Others Celebrate at Variety's Hitmakers Brunch

At Varietys annual Hitmakers brunch in Hollywood, a wide array of musical talents gathered to reflect on the origins of their creativity and the journeys that brought them to this moment. The event highlighted the personal stories and early inspirations that shaped some of todays most celebrated artists.

Sabrina Carpenter, honored as Hitmaker of the Year, reminisced about composing her first song at just 10 years old. Tyler, the Creator credited his creativity to the vivid imagination he had as a child, while Tate McRae began writing songs in her bedroom at 13. EJAE, a member of the pop trio Huntr/x featured in the Netflix film Kpop Demon Hunters, also started songwriting at age 10. Legendary blues musician Buddy Guy shared memories of growing up in rural Louisiana with limited access to clean water, a challenge his family creatively overcame.

The brunch coincided with the release of Varietys annual Hitmakers issue, which profiles the artists and collaborators behind the years 25 most popular songs, spotlighting songwriters, producers, and other key creative contributors.

Alex Warren, recognized as Breakthrough Artist of the Year, delivered a heartfelt speech recounting personal hardships, including the loss of his father at a young age and struggles with his mother. He described creating his debut album as a confronting but ultimately validating experience. I am enough, Warren told the audience, expressing confidence in his path.

BigXthaPlug received recognition as Hip-Hop Disruptor of the Year, celebrating his work within the independent artist collective UnitedMasters. He expressed gratitude for acknowledgment of his independent approach.

The Maras were awarded Anti-Hit Hitmakers of the Year. Lead singer Mara Zardoya emphasized the importance of staying true to their artistic vision, thanking their label for supporting their authentic expression. Emotion has always taken us further than tempo ever could, she said.

Jem Aswad, Varietys executive editor of music, hosted the brunch, which also honored Riot Games for their innovative integration of music into video games. Producers of the Year accolades went to Jack Antonoff, Mustard, and Sounwave for their work with Kendrick Lamar. Sounwave credited early exposure to motivational philosophies from his mother as influential in his creative development, while Mustard reflected on his decade-long collaboration with Lamar, highlighting their goal to inspire their community and culture.

Elliot Grainge of Atlantic Records was recognized as Executive of the Year for steering the label to success with artists such as Ros, Bruno Mars, Charli XCX, Cardi B, and Twenty One Pilots. He emphasized the role of labels in supporting and elevating artists to reach their full potential.

Addison Rae and collaborators Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjard were honored with the Future is Female award, highlighting the power of mutual support and trust in creative partnerships. Fuerza Regida received Humanitarians of the Year for their community work, particularly helping families affected by immigration challenges.

Rei Ami, alongside EJAE and Audrey Nuna, celebrated Huntr/xs achievements with humor and heartfelt reflections on friendship and collaboration. Ros, who recently had a major hit with Bruno Mars, shared the exhilaration of rapid international recognition.

Republic Records was named Label of the Year, credited for contributing 10 songs to the Hitmakers top 25 list. General Manager Marleny Reyes emphasized the collective effort of leadership and artists in driving the labels success, calling it an army and a family.

Premier partners for the Hitmakers event included TikTok, Riot Games, CashApp, and Visa.

Author: Ava Mitchell