The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards showcased an impressive array of talent, with Benson Boone claiming the prestigious Song of the Year title for "Beautiful Things." This marks a historic moment as it is the first time since The Weeknd's victory in 2021 that a male artist has achieved this honor. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish took home the Album of the Year award for her work "Hit Me Hard and Soft." Other notable wins include Gracie Abrams being named Breakthrough Artist of the Year and SZA extending her reign as R&B Artist of the Year for three consecutive years, setting a new record.
In a ceremony filled with accolades, the night was dedicated to celebrating musical achievements throughout 2024. Among the highlights, Lady Gaga received the Innovator Award, Mariah Carey was honored with the Icon Award, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was recognized as the Tour of the Century. These honors were complemented by fan-voted categories such as Favorite Soundtrack, Favorite Broadway Debut, and Best Lyrics, adding a unique interactive dimension to the event.
Benson Boone's triumph at the iHeartRadio Music Awards signifies not only his personal success but also reflects broader trends within the music industry. His song "Beautiful Things" resonated deeply with audiences, securing its place among the year's most celebrated tracks. This win comes after a quieter performance at the Grammy Awards earlier in the year, where he was nominated solely for Best New Artist. Despite this, his dynamic stage presence left a lasting impression on viewers during one of the evening's standout performances.
Billie Eilish continued her streak of excellence with the release of "Hit Me Hard and Soft," which earned her Album of the Year recognition. Her work competed against Beyoncé’s acclaimed "Cowboy Carter" in the Grammy race, ultimately losing out there but finding redemption through iHeartRadio's acknowledgment. Similarly, Sabrina Carpenter emerged victorious in multiple categories including Pop Artist of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for "Espresso," further cementing her status as a rising star.
R&B fans rejoiced over SZA's unprecedented achievement as she clinched R&B Artist of the Year for the third year running, surpassing H.E.R.'s previous two-year dominance. Country enthusiasts celebrated Jelly Roll's rise to prominence as Country Artist of the Year, following closely behind his win last year as New Country Artist of the Year. Hip-hop supporters embraced GloRilla's ascension to Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, building upon her momentum from tying with Latto two years prior.
Lady Gaga graced the stage once more to accept the Innovator Award, acknowledging her innovative contributions across genres. Meanwhile, Mariah Carey accepted the Icon Award, honoring her enduring legacy spanning decades. Taylor Swift added yet another feather to her cap when her Eras Tour was proclaimed Tour of the Century, despite the century still being young. Additional special mentions went to Nelly for his Landmark Award celebrating 25 years since his debut album "Country Grammar."
Audience participation played a pivotal role in shaping several awards outcomes, particularly in newly introduced categories like Favorite Soundtrack, Favorite Broadway Debut, and Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge. Fans actively engaged in determining winners for returning favorites such as Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Favorite Tour Style, Favorite Tour Photographer, and Favorite On Screen.
As the curtains closed on the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, it became clear that this annual celebration transcends beyond mere recognition—it fosters community engagement while highlighting exceptional artistry. Each category winner serves as testament to their hard work and dedication, inspiring future generations of musicians striving for greatness. Through these accolades, the spirit of innovation and creativity continues to thrive within the global music landscape.