2026 iHeartRadio music awards nominations feature Taylor Swift Sabrina Carpenter and Bad Bunny

iHeartRadio returns to LA in 2026

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will return live to the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26. Fans are excited to celebrate their favorite songs, artists, and viral trends from the past year across every genre.

This year’s show will offer new ways for fans to participate. Socially voted categories allow fans to directly influence the winners. With star-studded performances and fan-favorite moments, the awards will highlight music’s power to connect people and show appreciation for artists.

Taylor Swift leads with nine nominations

Taylor Swift earned the most nominations in 2026, including Song of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia”, Artist of the Year, and Pop Artist of the Year. Fans will eagerly watch to see whether she will take home multiple awards.

Her Eras Tour and streaming success have kept her in the spotlight. Swift’s influence on pop culture and music trends made her a strong contender. Fans and critics alike recognized her ability to blend catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics.

Rising stars make waves

Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Alex Warren each received eight nominations in 2026. Their songs dominated charts, social media, and streaming platforms, proving that the next generation of artists is ready to shine.

These rising stars also drew attention for their unique styles and creative visuals. Fans appreciated how Carpenter, Warren, and Bad Bunny brought energy to performances and music videos. The nominations celebrated both mainstream hits and viral moments.

Hip hop and R&B dominate

Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Leon Thomas, and Doechii are among the top-nominated Hip Hop and R&B artists. Songs like “luther” and “MUTT” stood out for creativity and fan appeal across multiple platforms.

Hip hop and R&B fans are excited about social media buzz and chart-topping hits. The awards recognized artists shaping today’s sound while celebrating collaborations and experimentation. Both veteran performers and newcomers had strong representation.

Country music hits the stage

Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Lainey Wilson earned Country nominations. Songs like “Love Somebody” and “After All The Bars Are Closed” showcased storytelling and heartfelt performances.

Country fans are drawn to both traditional and modern sounds. Nominations highlighted artists connecting with audiences through lyrics about love, life, and personal experiences, showing how country music continues to resonate in 2026.

Pop stars and catchy hits

Alex Warren, Tate McRae, and Benson Boone are nominated in Pop categories. Hits like “Ordinary” and “Manchild” reflected trends in catchy melodies and viral appeal across social media platforms.

Pop fans enjoy performances that combine choreography, visuals, and fan engagement. The awards will celebrate how pop artists balanced chart success with creative experimentation, keeping audiences entertained while shaping mainstream music culture in 2026.

Latin and K pop go global

Bad Bunny, Shakira, JENNIE, and BLACKPINK receive top nominations. Latin Pop/Urban and K-pop collaborations reflect music’s growing international influence and fan excitement worldwide.

These nominations proved fans valued both global hits and cultural crossovers. With tracks trending on streaming apps and social media, Latin and K-pop artists demonstrated the worldwide reach of music in 2026.

Fan voted categories shine

2026 introduced new fan voting categories like Favorite TikTok Dance, Favorite Debut Album, and Favorite K-pop Collab. Fans help in selecting winners, giving social media trends real influence on the awards.

Songs like Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” and BLACKPINK’s “JUMP” became fan favorites. Social engagement highlights how music now extends beyond radio and streaming, letting audiences directly impact results while celebrating emerging talent.

Broadway and screen stars join in

The awards include categories such as Favorite Broadway Debut and Favorite On Screen, which recognize performances by artists who appear in musical films and television.

Fans will appreciate seeing stars shine outside albums and concerts. These nominations highlight music in musicals, films, and TV shows, showing the versatility of artists in 2026 and how performances resonate across multiple platforms.

Touring moments celebrated

Fans voted for Favorite Tour Tradition, Favorite Tour Style, and Favorite Tour Photographer. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift are recognized for creative live shows.

Tour categories highlighted the behind-the-scenes magic, from set design to iconic moments. Fans could vote for traditions, favorite photos, and memorable performances, connecting them to artists’ live experiences in 2026.

Songwriting and production honored

Songwriters and producers like Julia Michaels, Jack Antonoff, and Andrew Watt are nominated for their contributions. Their work shapes hits across Pop, Hip Hop, and R&B.

These nominations celebrate the creativity behind the hits. Fans and peers acknowledge the skill required to craft lyrics, melodies, and production, making these awards a recognition of music’s craftsmanship in 2026.

Fans vote to shape the winners

Social voting for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will run from January 8 to March 19, 2026, giving fans the power to choose winners in dozens of categories. Voting happens online through the official iHeartRadio website, making it easy to participate.

Fans could support everything from Pop, Hip-Hop, and Country to K-pop and Latin hits. Socially voted categories like Favorite TikTok Dance, Best Music Video, and Favorite Tour Tradition encouraged interaction and excitement.

Take a look back at last year’s biggest wins and standout moments from the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

A night of music and unforgettable moments

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards combines legendary stars with rising artists, creating a night full of energy and unforgettable performances. Fans will witness chart-topping songs, viral hits, and breathtaking stage setups that captures the spirit of the past year in music.

Special awards honors creativity behind the scenes, like top producers, songwriters, and tour photographers. The event celebrates diversity across genres, from Pop and Hip Hop to Latin, K-pop, and Country.

See which queens ruled the Country Music Awards this year and get the full story.

Which of your favorite artists or moments from the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards excited you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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