Music lovers gather around! The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards just went down and it was a night of big wins awesome performances and some seriously cool moments. Taylor Swift absolutely dominated taking home a truckload of awards but there were plenty of other artists shining bright too. Let's get into all the highlights from the show you need to know about.
Taylor Swift is Still Queen: Takes Home Artist of the Year and Tour of the Century Awards at iHeartRadio's Big Night
No surprise here Swifties Taylor Swift was the big winner of the night. She snagged the coveted Artist of the Year award proving once again she is on top of the music world. But that's not all! Her record-breaking Eras Tour was rightfully crowned the Tour of the Century. I mean come on did anyone else even stand a chance?
Taylor actually won a total of eight awards which is just mind-blowing. Six of those were fan-voted showing how much love her fans have for her. One of those fan-voted awards was even for Favorite Surprise Guest which went to Travis Kelce for his cameo during the London Eras Tour show. How cute is that?
Even though Taylor could not be there in person she sent in a video acceptance speech thanking iHeart and of course her amazing fans. She mentioned how much the Tour of the Century award meant to her especially since it was close to the two-year anniversary of the Eras Tour launch. She dedicated the award to her tourmates her band her crew basically everyone who made the Eras Tour so unforgettable. To celebrate her win Taylor even shared a clip from the surprise songs part of her first Eras Tour show performing "Mirrorball". Queen behavior right there.
Gracie Abrams Grabs Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award and Shares Heartfelt Message
While Taylor Swift's wins were expected another big moment was Gracie Abrams taking home the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award. This award is a huge deal recognizing rising stars and Gracie definitely earned it after an incredible year. She performed her hit "That's So True" before accepting the award and her speech was genuinely touching.
Gracie thanked a ton of people from radio folks to her team family and band. She also gave shout-outs to the incredible artists who let her open for them on tour like Taylor Swift Olivia Rodrigo Noah Kahan and The National. She also thanked opener artists who supported her own tours. She was truly appreciative of everyone who helped her on her journey.
But Gracie's message went beyond just thank yous. She acknowledged that "We're living in tricky times so much is uncertain and so suddenly and unnecessarily cruel." She then highlighted the importance of music events like the iHeartRadio Awards saying "when we gather like this at a concert or a festival or the theater within our local communities we remind each other that there's still so much light and kindness between and among us." It was a powerful and uplifting moment in her speech.
Adding to the sweetness Billie Eilish who is a longtime friend of Gracie's introduced her for the award. Billie mentioned they have known each other since they were 15 and have been supporting each other's music from the start. Gracie called Billie an "icon" and said it was a "privilege to grow up with your music". The two shared a hug on stage a truly heartwarming moment of support between female artists.
Icon Innovator and Landmark Awards: Honoring Mariah Carey Lady Gaga and Nelly's Legendary Careers
The iHeartRadio Music Awards are not just about the current hits they also take time to honor music legends. This year was no exception with special awards going to some truly iconic artists.
- Mariah Carey: Icon Award. The queen of vocals herself Mariah Carey was honored with the Icon Award recognizing her massive impact on music and pop culture.
- Lady Gaga: Innovator Award. Lady Gaga received the Innovator Award celebrating her constant pushing of boundaries and her artistic reinvention.
- Nelly: Landmark Award. Nelly was presented with the Landmark Award acknowledging his long-lasting influence on hip-hop and pop music.
- Gracie Abrams: Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award. As mentioned before Gracie Abrams received the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award celebrating her incredible rise in the music industry.
These special awards are always a highlight of the show giving well-deserved recognition to artists who have shaped music history and continue to inspire.
Beyond the Big Wins: Performances Red Carpet and a Cause Close to Heart
The iHeartRadio Music Awards brought more than just awards. The show was packed with performances from some of the biggest names in music. Fans were treated to sets from Bad Bunny Billie Eilish GloRilla Gracie Abrams Kenny Chesney Muni Long Nelly and more. LL Cool J hosted the show for the second time keeping the energy high all night.
The red carpet was also buzzing with stars showing off their looks. While the focus was definitely on the awards and performances the red carpet photos showed everyone was dressed to impress. From classic glam to more edgy and unique styles the fashion was definitely part of the fun.
Beyond the music and glitz the iHeartRadio Music Awards also supported a good cause. This year the show was raising money for FireAidLA.org to help those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires earlier in the year. It's great to see the music community coming together to support important causes.
Key Winners at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards: A Quick List
Want a quick rundown of some of the top winners? Here are some of the big awards handed out:
- Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
- Album of the Year (Pop): Hit Me Hard and Soft Billie Eilish
- Pop Album of the Year: The Tortured Poets Department Taylor Swift
- Song of the Year: "Beautiful Things" Benson Boone
- Pop Song of the Year: "Espresso" Sabrina Carpenter
- Best Collaboration: "Die With A Smile" Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
- Best New Artist (Pop): Teddy Swims
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Gracie Abrams
- Tour of the Century: The Eras Tour Taylor Swift
- Icon Award: Mariah Carey
- Innovator Award: Lady Gaga
- Landmark Award: Nelly
Another Year Another Amazing iHeartRadio Music Awards: Celebrating the Best in Music
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards were definitely a success. From Taylor Swift's big sweep to Gracie Abrams' emotional win and the legendary artists honored it was a night to remember for music fans. With great performances red carpet style and a focus on giving back the iHeartRadio Music Awards continue to be a major celebration of the year in music and a preview of what's to come. Did your favorite artist win? What was your favorite moment of the show?