Pop music lovers get excited because Gracie Abrams just had a major moment ! This talented singer-songwriter scooped up the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards and it's safe to say she is having a MOMENT. Let's dive into her big win what she said during her speech and why everyone is talking about Gracie Abrams right now.
Gracie Abrams Wins Hearts and an iHeartRadio Award: Emotional Acceptance Speech & Star-Studded Thank You's
Gracie accepted her Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award on Monday March 17th and her speech was genuinely heartwarming. After performing her catchy track "That's So True" she took the stage and gave a shout-out to pretty much everyone who has supported her. First off she thanked radio folks DJs her team her label her band and of course her amazing family and friends.
But then she got to the really cool part. Gracie made sure to thank some seriously big names in music who have taken her under their wing. She gave a huge thanks to "the incredible artists who allowed me to share their stages" and named-dropped Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo Noah Kahan and The National! Talk about an impressive list of mentors! She also thanked all the opening acts who have supported her on her own tours showing love to the whole music community. And of course she finished it off by thanking her fans saying "You guys are my whole damn heart." Aww!
Gracie also touched on something deeper in her speech. She acknowledged that "We're living in tricky times so much is uncertain and so suddenly and unnecessarily cruel." But she also pointed out the positive Power of music events like concerts festivals and local theater. She said these gatherings "remind each other that there's still so much light and kindness between and among us." Pretty powerful message right?
Billie Eilish Introduces Gracie: Longtime Friendship and "Taking Over the World"
Adding to the sweetness of the whole thing Gracie was introduced by none other than Billie Eilish! Billie shared that she and Gracie go way back to when Billie was just 15. Apparently they used to send each other voice memos of songs they were writing back then. How cool is that?
Billie said "I love that girl so much. I have loved watching her finally take over the world the past year." Major props from a fellow music icon! Gracie and Billie shared a hug on stage and Gracie called Billie an "icon" right back saying "I've looked up to you since we met and not just an icon because of your success but your artistry. I just love you to death so what a privilege to grow up with your music." These two supporting each other is just awesome.
Gracie's Incredible Breakthrough Year: From Grammy Nominee to SNL Stage
This Breakthrough Artist award is definitely well-deserved for Gracie because she has had an absolutely HUGE year. Let's just recap some of the highlights:
- iHeartRadio Music Award Win: Breakthrough Artist of the Year - check!
- Grammy Nomination: She was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Us." her collab with Taylor Swift.
- Album Release: She dropped her second studio album The Secret of Us in June and a deluxe version with the hit "That's So True" in November.
- Viral Hit: "That's So True" went viral and peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 - that's massive!
- SNL Debut: She made her Saturday Night Live debut in December performing both "That's So True" and "I Love You I'm Sorry."
- Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: Gracie opened for Taylor Swift on her record-breaking Eras Tour for a bunch of dates in 2023 and 2024 even closing out the final 18 shows.
- Selena Gomez Collaboration: She teamed up with Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco on the song "Call Me When You Break Up."
Phew that is a lot! It's no wonder she is being recognized as a breakthrough artist. Gracie has been working hard and it is clearly paying off.
Beyond the Award: Gracie's Growing Star Power and Musical Style
Gracie Abrams is not just racking up awards she is also solidifying her place as a Serious artist to watch. Her music often described as introspective and emotional pop resonates with a lot of people. She is known for her honest lyrics and her ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
Her influences are clear in her music. She has spoken about being inspired by artists like Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo Noah Kahan and The National all of whom she thanked in her iHeartRadio speech. Working with Aaron Dessner from The National has also been a key part of her musical journey. All these influences combined with her own unique voice are creating something really special.
What's Next for Gracie Abrams? Keep an Eye on This Rising Star
With a Breakthrough Artist award under her belt a growing fanbase and a ton of momentum Gracie Abrams is definitely one to watch in 2025 and beyond. She is proving herself to be more than just a rising star she is becoming a force in pop music. Keep an eye out for new music tour announcements and whatever amazing things Gracie does next. This is just the beginning!