The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, held on March 17, was once again a night filled with glitter, performances, and unforgettable moments, all broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The annual event, hosted by LL Cool J, aimed to honor the artists and songs most played on iHeartRadio over the past year. This year, the competition among nominees was intense, particularly with Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen leading the pack with ten nominations each.
Trailing closely were Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Sabrina Carpenter, each with nine nominations. Notably, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, SZA, and Teddy Swim all secured five nominations, underlining the diverse range of talent represented at the awards.
To the delight of fans and viewers, Lady Gaga was awarded the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award, showcasing her continuous influence and contribution to the music industry. Meanwhile, Mariah Carey received the prestigious Icon Award, solidifying her legendary status among music's elite.
Although she was absent from the red carpet for the second consecutive year, Taylor Swift did not let her fans down. Before the main event commenced, she had already secured victories for all six fan-voted trophies she was nominated for, including the coveted "Favorite Tour Tradition" for her Eras Tour. This award recognized the unique surprise songs she performed at each show, which captivated audiences worldwide. She also clinched the award for "Favorite Surprise Guest," acknowledging the special appearance her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, made during her London show last summer.
Fans were eager to see Swift make her first public appearance since the 2025 Super Bowl, but she opted out of the red carpet once again. Instead, she utilized the technology of virtual acceptance speeches to celebrate her wins, appearing onscreen to accept the "Tour of the Century" award with heartfelt gratitude. During her pre-recorded message, Swift thanked her fans for their support and reflected on the remarkable achievement of her record-breaking Eras Tour.
Despite her non-attendance, Swift's presence was felt throughout the show, especially as her former tour mate Gracie Abrams mentioned her during her acceptance speech for "Breakthrough Artist". Even though she was not physically present, Swift managed to make waves from afar, airing exclusive footage of her performance during the initial leg of the Eras Tour.
The winners' list was filled with exceptional talent. Billie Eilish’s album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, took home the award for Album of the Year. The Song of the Year went to Shaboozey for "A Bar Song (Tipsy)". Eilish’s collaboration with other artists frequently found its way to nominee lists, showcasing her influence across multiple genres.
Among the notable performances were awards presented to various categories, including Pop Artist of the Year awarded to Sabrina Carpenter, beating out legends like Taylor Swift. The Best Collaboration award was won by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for "Die With A Smile", affirming their enduring chemistry and artistic brilliance.
Swift's involvement continued elsewhere, as her new music was up for several other accolades during the night, including Pop Artist of the Year, which she lost to Carpenter. This rivalry birthed excitement, as fans celebrated both artists’ contributions to pop music.
Backstage buzz indicated anticipation for the live performances, with confirmed acts such as Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and GloRilla all set to light up the stage. The excitement reached new heights as the broadcast moved through the night, with LL Cool J’s hosting keeping the energy alive.
The night wrapped up not just with awards but also celebrated artistic expression, showcasing the breadth of talent across genres. The event also included fan-voted categories, heightening the stakes and engagement with viewers at home.
Overall, the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards succeeded in bringing together the music community, culminating in memorable performances and acknowledgments of talent pushing boundaries and reshaping the industry. Fans left the event buzzing with excitement for what the future holds for their favorite artists, and Taylor Swift's overwhelming presence had managed to shine brightly—from her accolades to the performance highlights aired live during the show.
