On Monday night, March 17, during the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour was declared the “Tour of the Century.” This prestigious title honors the tour that grossed over $2 billion and sold more than 10 million tickets worldwide. Spanning from March 2023 to December 2024, the Eras Tour set a new record as the highest-grossing tour in music history, surpassing Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour. In celebration, Swift presented a live performance video of her song “Mirrorball” from the acoustic set at the first stop of the tour in Glendale, Arizona.
Swift's Eras Tour has been nothing short of revolutionary for the music industry. Launched two years ago on March 17, 2023, this massive global endeavor wrapped up in December 2024. Over its duration, it amassed staggering figures—over $2 billion in revenue and more than 10 million ticket sales. According to Billboard Boxscore, these numbers not only crowned it as the highest-grossing tour ever but also placed it above Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour, which previously held the record for being one of only two tours to exceed $1 billion in earnings.
Comedian Nikki Glaser added an amusing touch to the award ceremony by announcing her attendance at 22 concerts of the Eras Tour. She humorously remarked that she had never witnessed such a high-caliber live performance in her life, highlighting every show's marathon-like perfection. From vocals and athleticism to costumes and secret songs, each concert was a spectacle. Her dedication even extended to wearing a bedazzled adult diaper, memories—and rashes—that she will carry forever. It was thus fitting that iHeartRadio honored Swift with the award for the "Tour of the Century."
Despite not being physically present at the event, Swift delivered a heartfelt video message expressing her gratitude toward both iHeartRadio and her fans. Reflecting on the past few months off the road, she noted how people often describe the most challenging experiences as the ones yielding the greatest pride and gratification. The Eras Tour was undoubtedly the most demanding project of her career, involving three-and-a-half-hour shows across more performances than any previous tour. Yet, it proved to be immensely fulfilling.
Swift emphasized her constant thoughts about the tour and her immense pride in it. She credited her fans for enabling her to undertake such ambitious challenges, including the extensive production, lengthy shows, numerous performances, and international venues. Fans transformed her songs into anthems over decades, allowing for a comprehensive setlist spanning three and a half hours. Their passion and generosity in traveling globally to see her perform amazed her endlessly, leaving her eternally grateful.
Even in her absence, Swift treated the audience to a special gift—a video of her performing “Mirrorball” from the inaugural night of the tour. Interestingly, her second acoustic song that evening was her very first single, “Tim McGraw,” marking a nostalgic moment. Earlier in the night, Gracie Abrams acknowledged Swift during her acceptance speech for the breakthrough artist award, thanking her for inviting Abrams as an opening act throughout the two-year run of the Eras Tour alongside other notable artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan.
Taylor Swift's journey through the Eras Tour solidified her status as a monumental figure in the music world. Her ability to connect deeply with fans and deliver unparalleled live performances redefined what a concert experience could be. The recognition as the "Tour of the Century" is a testament to her artistry and the profound impact she continues to have on audiences worldwide.