The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards are set to be an extraordinary celebration of music, with Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen leading the nominations with ten nods each. Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Sabrina Carpenter follow closely with nine nominations each. These artists will compete for the prestigious Artist of the Year award alongside Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, SZA, and Teddy Swims. The event will take place on March 17th at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, airing live on FOX. Lady Gaga will receive the Innovator Award, Mariah Carey will be honored with the Icon Award, and Swift’s Eras Tour will be named the Tour of the Century. The awards will also highlight the resilience of Los Angeles following recent wildfires, encouraging donations to FireAidLA.org.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards have become a significant milestone in the music industry, recognizing not only the most-played artists and songs but also celebrating emerging talent. This year, the ceremony will pay tribute to several notable figures. Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen stand out as leading contenders with their impressive number of nominations. Both artists have had remarkable years, captivating audiences with their innovative music and performances. Swift's Eras Tour has been particularly groundbreaking, setting records and redefining what a concert experience can be. Meanwhile, Wallen's dominance in country music continues to grow, solidifying his position as one of the genre's leading voices.
Other highlights include special honors for Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey. Gaga will receive the Innovator Award, acknowledging her profound impact on both music and global culture. Past recipients of this award include Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé, making it a highly coveted accolade. Carey, on the other hand, will be presented with the Icon Award, celebrating her enduring influence on the music scene. Previous winners like Bon Jovi, Elton John, and Pink underscore the significance of this recognition. Additionally, Swift's Eras Tour being named the Tour of the Century is a testament to its unprecedented success and fan engagement.
Beyond the main categories, the awards will introduce new fan-voted categories such as Favorite Soundtrack, Favorite Broadway Debut, and Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge. Voting opens on January 22nd and closes on March 10th, giving fans ample time to participate and shape the outcome. The nominees span various genres, from pop and country to hip-hop and R&B, ensuring a diverse and exciting evening. Artists like Adam Lambert, Nicole Scherzinger, and Sebastián Yatra are nominated for their standout Broadway debuts, while producers like Jack Antonoff and Julian Bunetta vie for Producer of the Year.
The ceremony will also shine a light on the resilience of Los Angeles, which has faced significant challenges due to recent wildfires. A portion of the event will focus on raising awareness and driving donations to support wildfire relief efforts through FireAidLA.org. Organizers emphasize that the show is not just about competition but about honoring the incredible contributions of artists and songs that resonated with fans throughout the year. With a lineup of exceptional performances and heartfelt tributes, the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards promise to be an unforgettable night celebrating music and community.