The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards are set to be one of the most anticipated events of the year. Scheduled to take place on March 17 at the legendary Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, the ceremony will honor the top music artists and songs across various genres. Hosted by the charismatic LL Cool J, this year’s awards stand out not only due to its star-studded lineup but also for its mission of giving back to the community.
This year, leading the nominations are renowned artists like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, and Sabrina Carpenter. These nominations reflect the most-played songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2024, celebrating chart-toppers across different musical styles.
One of the standout moments of the night will include the recognition of industry greats with special awards. Lady Gaga will receive the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award, acknowledging her trailblazing contributions to pop culture and music. iHeartRadio described her as, "Few artists in modern history have taken creative risks with the level of success of the 'Mother Monster' herself." Meanwhile, Mariah Carey is set to be honored with the 2025 iHeartRadio Icon Award, celebrating her influential career, which has seen over 200 million records sold worldwide and 19 #1 singles.
Other awards such as Nelly’s 2025 iHeartRadio Landmark Award will highlight his contributions to music, showcasing how certain albums have shaped cultural landscapes. Not to be overlooked, Gracie Abrams will be receiving the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award, marking her rise to stardom through heartfelt songwriting and relatable performances.
But it's not just about the awards – the evening will feature exciting live performances from some of the music industry’s biggest names. This year’s lineup includes performances by Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Kenny Chesney, Muni Long, and Nelly. These performances promise to keep the energy high and the audience engaged from start to finish.
This ceremony also integrates fan engagement; for the second year running, fans can vote for winners across various categories, bringing back democratic participation to the awards by allowing them to decide on their favorites. Categories like 'Song of the Year' and 'Pop Artist of the Year' include high-profile nominations such as Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar, ensuring fierce competition.
For those interested, the red carpet will be alive with glamour and excitement starting at 5:30 PM ET, prior to the awards show. Hosted by Emily Curl and EJ, it will feature interviews with nominees and presenters as they showcase their fashion choices and talk about their anticipated triumphs at the awards.
Like every other year, the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards will not shy away from addressing pressing issues. This year, the event will also aim to provide support to the city of Los Angeles, recognizing the community’s resilience following devastating wildfires. Notably, part of the proceeds from the event will be directed to FireAidLA.org, supporting recovery efforts for those affected. “This year we are dedicated to giving back to the very community where the awards are held,” organizers stated.
Among the notable categories for this year's awards, the nominees vie for significant achievements, including 'Favorite Tour Tradition' and 'Best Collaboration.' Taylor Swift's successful Era's Tour is already being recognized not just for its commercial success but also for its cultural impact, being named 'Tour of the Century' by iHeartRadio. Fans eagerly await whether Swift will make any surprise album announcements during the ceremony, as she has customarily unveiled new projects during award shows.
Fans can watch the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards live on FOX or online via platforms like Hulu, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream starting at 8 PM ET. The event promises to be more than just an awards show; it is a celebration of innovation, artistic dedication, and community resilience, making the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards one for the books.
