Brittany Howard is Billboard's 2015 Powerhouse Artist

NEW YORK, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Billboard magazine has declared Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard as its 2015 Women in Music Powerhouse Artist.

Howard, 27, will accept her honor, alongside already announced Woman of the Year Lady Gaga, on Dec. 11 at Billboard's annual Women in Music ceremony. Lifetime is to air the gala on Dec. 18, marking the first time the event will be televised.

"Brittany Howard is the true definition of a powerhouse, from her unique and crushing vocals, to her meteoric rise in the last four years," Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Billboard's parent company Guggenheim Media, said in a statement Thursday. "She led Alabama Shakes to a massive year that included their Coachella debut, and is quite deserving of Billboard's recognition."

Last year's Powerhouse Artist was Jessie J.