On March 17, 2025, during the star-studded iHeartRadio Music Awards held in Los Angeles, Taylor Swift was celebrated with the prestigious "Tour of the Century" award. The accolade recognized Swift's monumental Eras Tour, which not only captivated audiences across the globe but shattered numerous records, including ticket sales amounting to $2 billion. While Swift was not present at the event, she shared her gratitude through a heartfelt video message along with an exclusive performance of her 2020 hit, "Mirrorball," recorded during the tour's opening night.
Swift began her thank-you message with warmth, stating, "I really can't tell you how much this means to me," as she acknowledged the significant milestone of the tour's second anniversary. The tour originally kicked off on March 18, 2023, coinciding perfectly with the iHeartRadio event. Over the course of nearly two years, Swift performed 149 shows across 22 countries, revisiting many of her beloved albums and offering her fans, affectionately known as Swifties, rich live experiences.
This special recognition was not just for the sheer numbers—the Eras Tour was lauded for its ambitious production and emotional storytelling, and it pushed the boundaries of what concert tours could achieve. "This tour was absolutely the most challenging thing I've ever done," Swift reflected, emphasizing the effort it took to manage extensive logistics and perform for countless hours. She shared how the challenges turned out to be some of her proudest achievements, stating, "People often say sometimes the greatest challenges end up being something you’re so proud of, or the most gratifying feeling, if you can rise to the occasion." Swift credited the unwavering support of her fans for helping her achieve such heights of success.
Further showcasing her connection to her audience, Swift remarked, "It blows my mind, and I'm never gonna stop being grateful for it." This sentiment echoed the recurring theme of her tour, which highlighted the deep relationship she shares with her fans, many of whom traveled extensively to attend her shows.
The awards night also featured comedian Nikki Glaser, who humorously introduced Swift's award, commenting on her own experiences as an avid concert-goer, having attended 22 shows of the Eras Tour. "Thank god I saw it so many times because never... will I witness... of this magnitude," Glaser exclaimed, setting the stage for Swift’s virtual acceptance.
Swift’s success at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards extended beyond just the Tour of the Century title. She was nominated for nine additional awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for her song, "Fortnight," alongside Post Malone, both of which highlighted the versatility and impact of her musical range. Her ability to create magic through collaborative efforts was recognized when she won Best Lyrics for "Fortnight." Notably, Swift also earned awards for Favorite Tour Style and Best Music Video for the same song, establishing her as one of the most formidable figures this awards season.
Swift's achievements were complemented by the staggering statistics of the Eras Tour. Over 10 million fans attended the tour globally, reflecting the powerful draw she holds as an artist. The tour’s economic benefits were substantial, boosting local economies and altering the concert touring industry’s economic framework.
Swift emphasized her appreciation for the dedication of her fans by thanking them for transforming her work of nearly two decades, stating, "You had the passion and the generosity to care about traveling to see us on tour." This message highlighted not only her connection to the audience but also the shared experiences cultivated through her music.
With moments of nostalgia, Swift's reflection included acknowledging all the special memories with her fans and crew throughout the Eras Tour. She stated, "It's taken over everything. I think I once had hobbies, but I don't know what they are anymore... I’m just dreaming about being back onstage with you guys," capturing her deep commitment to live performance and connection.
Concluding her message, Swift conveyed her immense gratitude to her team and supporters, remarking on the spectacular venture they all undertook together. With the Eras Tour now concluded and its accolades celebrated, Swift remains firmly positioned at the pinnacle of the music industry, garnering recognition not only for her artistic contributions but also for how she redefined the concert experience.
The night of the awards was filled with excitement, also acknowledging several other prominent artists such as Mariah Carey, who received the Icon Award, and Lady Gaga, honored with the Innovator Award. The impressive performances and camaraderie at the event reaffirmed the vibrant pulse of the music industry, united under shared passions and significant achievements.
Swift leaves her fans with lasting memories from the Eras Tour, underlining her continuing evolution as an artist and the inevitable excitement surrounding her next projects. The next chapters in her storied career await, as fans eagerly anticipate the announcements and new experiences they know she will bring.
