Coeur de Pirate Accepts Trailblazer of the Year Award Presented by Restylane Skinboosters at Billboard Canada Women in Music 2025
The award honors women whose self-assurance, originality and creative spirit keep paving the way for others in the industry.
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Coeur de pirate was one of the standout honourees at Billboard Canada Women in Music 2025, taking the stage at Toronto’s Rebel to accept the Trailblazer of the Year Award, presented by Restylane Skinboosters.
The award celebrates women whose confidence, authenticity and artistry continue to open doors across the industry. The honour is awarded to a female artist who acts as a music industry pioneer by using her platform to spotlight unheard voices and break ground for future generations of performers.
Emerging on the scene in the late 2000s, Martin has become a mainstay in music — with dedicated fanbases in Canada and Europe. Martin is a major champion of artists behind the scenes as well. She serves as president and artistic director of Montreal-based independent record label Bravo Musique — previously known as Dare to Care Records. In 2021, Martin bought the label from founder Éli Bissonnette, who stepped down after being accused of fostering a toxic work environment. Now, she’s committed to making it a positive home for artists, including many talented young women
Introduced by Canadian creator, dancer and musician Enola Bédard, the award presentation reflected the event’s overarching theme of confidence meeting the spotlight.
“Feeling good in myself as an artist and performer means that I'm embracing the person that I am today and that I was in the past [and] in the future, just loving and being kind to myself. I'm a human after all, and I'm learning, as everybody else. I think it's just so important to take care of ourselves and we're all in this journey together,” she said onstage.
On the red carpet earlier in the night, she expanded on the message.
“It just feels so special to just be surrounded by so many amazing talented women. Especially in the music industry — I’m just starting, and tonight I think I’m going to get inspired by so many women.”
In her acceptance speech, Cœur de pirate expressed gratitude to the women in the room and emphasized that the award belonged to more than just her. (She also thanked Restylane, noting that she is a client herself.)
“The people that work with me are the pillar of my ongoing successes,” she said. “I wouldn't be here without my team at Bravo. I wouldn't be here without my family or the people that listened to me. I want to celebrate all the women here present tonight. Thank you for making the industry a safe place for artists.”
The moment was followed by one of the night’s highlights, a gorgeous collaborative performance with pianist Alexandra Stréliski that drew a rousing ovation.
The partnership also extended beyond the stage. As part of Billboard Canada Women in Music’s wider content series, Restylane Skinboosters was integrated into red carpet and interview moments that connected artistry with confidence and self-expression.
Bédard reflected on confidence as a creative catalyst, while dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll spoke about the importance of clear skin and its impact on confidence. “When you feel confident in your skin, you present yourself differently to the world. And you can forget about all the other things that are weighing you down. So having good healthy skin, which is the first thing that people see, can really help with confidence and overall well-being,” she explained.
Through its role as the official presenter of the Trailblazer Award and a key partner in the evening, Restylane Skinboosters tied its message of “where confidence meets the spotlight” to some of the most powerful moments of the night.
“Being part of Billboard Canada Women in Music this year was deeply meaningful to me. Confidence is something every woman deserves to feel, and with Restylane Skinboosters, we’re passionate about helping women embrace that feeling — not by changing who they are, but by helping them shine as their most authentic selves," said Shawna Boynton, Marketing Director Injectable Aesthetics, Galderma Canada. "Celebrating the Trailblazer Award was a beautiful reminder of how confidence can be the spark behind incredible artistry.”
By championing women who embrace their individuality, the brand reinforced its commitment to helping artists feel radiant, authentic, and self-assured — on stage and in life.
