Girlfriend’s 'Honey Water' Era Keeps Gaining Steam With Billboard and BET Spotlight

Rising R&B artist Girlfriend is getting a fresh wave of attention this spring, with Billboard naming her its Up-and-Coming R&B Artist of the Month for May 2026 and BET continuing to spotlight her growing profile around Honey Water.

In Billboard’s May 26 feature, Girlfriend talks about choosing a name that reflects the music she wants to make, the vulnerability at the center of her songwriting, and the long runway behind her breakout moment. The piece also notes that she has been making music since she was 12, a reminder that this moment is the result of years of work rather than overnight buzz.

BET has also leaned in. An Amplified Live episode and video clip on BET.com find Girlfriend performing songs from Honey Water, including Deep, Sticky Situation, and Sideways, while the episode description says she discusses her DIY recording setup, the balance between strength and vulnerability, and what she learned while making the project.

The momentum extends to the road, too. Rated R&B reported that Ella Mai’s Do You Still Love Me? tour will feature opening acts Ama and Girlfriend, while Grungecake also highlighted Girlfriend’s addition to the run. Put together, the co-signs make the case that Girlfriend’s Honey Water chapter is moving from a promising introduction to a much wider stage.