The 12th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards returned on March 17, 2025, bringing together music’s biggest stars to honor the most-played artists and songs of the past year. Held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California, the star-studded event featured thrilling performances, emotional tributes, and historic wins.
A Night of Unforgettable Moments
The show was hosted by hip-hop legend LL COOL J, who promised “big energy, iconic moments, and special collaborations”—and he did not disappoint. The event featured electrifying performances from top artists, including Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Kenny Chesney, Muni Long, and Nelly.
Beyond celebrating music, the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards also recognized the resilience of Los Angeles in the wake of devastating wildfires. Donations were encouraged for FireAidLA.org, with funds distributed under the guidance of the Annenberg Foundation to support relief and prevention efforts.
Special Honors and Major Wins
The night was filled with special awards honoring industry icons:
- Nelly received the 2025 iHeartRadio Landmark Award for his influential albums that have shaped music culture over the years.
- Lady Gaga was honored with the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award for her groundbreaking impact on pop music.
- Mariah Carey was recognized with the 2025 iHeartRadio Icon Award, celebrating her legendary career.
- Taylor Swift was awarded for the “Tour of the Century”, recognizing the massive global success of her Eras Tour.
Swift led the nominations alongside Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, and Sabrina Carpenter, making it a night filled with tough competition.
2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards – Complete Winners List
Song of the Year
“Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
Pop Song of the Year
“Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
Pop Artist of the Year
Sabrina Carpenter
Artist of the Year
Taylor Swift
Album of the Year
Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish
Pop Album of the Year
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT – Taylor Swift
Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Gracie Abrams
Best Collaboration
“Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
Best New Artist (Pop)
Country Music Winners
- Country Song of the Year: “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen
- Country Artist of the Year: Jelly Roll
- Best New Artist (Country): Shaboozey
- Country Album of the Year: F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
Hip-Hop Winners
- Hip-Hop Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
- Hip-Hop Album of the Year: We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin
- Hip-Hop Artist of the Year: GloRilla
- Best New Artist (Hip-Hop): BossMan Dlow
R&B Winners
- R&B Song of the Year: “Made For Me” – Muni Long
- R&B Album of the Year: COMING HOME – Usher
- R&B Artist of the Year: SZA
- Best New Artist (R&B): 4Batz
Rock & Alternative Music Winners
- Alternative Song of the Year: “Too Sweet” – Hozier
- Alternative Artist of the Year: Green Day
- Alternative Album of the Year: Clancy – twenty one pilots
- Rock Song of the Year: “A Symptom of Being Human” – Shinedown
- Rock Artist of the Year: Shinedown
- Rock Album of the Year: From Zero – Linkin Park
- Best New Artist (Alt & Rock): Fontaines D.C.
Dance & EDM Winners
- Dance Song of the Year: “360” – Charli XCX
- Dance Album of the Year: brat – Charli XCX
- Dance Artist of the Year: David Guetta
Latin Music Winners
- Latin Pop/Urban Song of the Year: “Perro Negro” – Bad Bunny ft. Feid
- Latin Pop/Urban Artist of the Year: Feid
- Latin Pop/Urban Album of the Year: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran – Shakira
- Best New Artist (Latin Pop/Urban): Kapo
K-Pop Winners
- K-Pop Artist of the Year: ATEEZ
- K-Pop Song of the Year: “Who” – Jimin
- K-Pop Album of the Year: Ate – Stray Kids
- Best New Artist (K-Pop): ILLIT
Newly Introduced Socially Voted Categories
- Favorite Soundtrack: Wicked
- Favorite Broadway Debut: Rachel Zegler – “Romeo + Juliet”
- Favorite K-Pop Dance Challenge: “GGUM” – Yeonjun (TXT)
- Favorite Surprise Guest: Taylor Swift bringing out Travis Kelce
- Favorite Tour Tradition: Taylor Swift – “Surprise Songs”
- Best Lyrics: “Fortnight” – Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone
- Best Music Video: “Fortnight” – Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone
- Favorite Tour Style: Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour
- Favorite Tour Photographer: Alfredo Flores (Sabrina Carpenter)
- Favorite On-Screen Performance: Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)
Final Thoughts
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards delivered an exciting night filled with groundbreaking performances, heartfelt tributes, and well-deserved wins. With Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Kendrick Lamar leading the pack, this year’s awards highlighted the biggest talents across all genres.
As the music industry continues to evolve, one thing remains clear—fans and artists alike will keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
The Information is Collected from Yahoo and Billboard.
