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2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards wasn’t just a night of trophies, it was a tribute to legends. LL Cool J led the celebration as Mariah Carey, Nelly, and Lady Gaga took center stage for their game-changing impact.
From dazzling performances to heartfelt honors, the night hit all the right notes. As music’s biggest names took the mic, one thing was clear, true icons don’t just follow trends, they set them.
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Mariah Carey Honored
Mariah Carey received the prestigious Icon Award, acknowledging her unparalleled contributions to music. With a career spanning decades, her influence remains profound.
This accolade celebrates her enduring legacy and impact on artists globally. The honor was presented last year to Cher, and, in the past, stars like Pink, Bon Jovi, Elton John and Jennifer Lopez have also received the title.
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Muni Long’s Heartfelt Tribute
To honor Mariah Carey’s legacy, Muni Long delivered a stunning tribute performance of We Belong Together. Her powerful vocals filled the room, capturing the essence of one of Carey’s most iconic songs.
While reactions online were mixed, Long later shared that Carey herself praised the heartfelt rendition. The performance was a testament to the deep respect and admiration between artists across generations.
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Tori Kelly’s Stunning Tribute
Tori Kelly wowed the audience with a heartfelt performance of Always Be My Baby. She honored Mariah Carey by wearing a dress similar to Carey’s 1991 Grammys look, complete with signature ’90s curls.
The tribute was a nostalgic nod to Carey’s influence on music and fashion. Carey, seated in the front row, blew kisses in appreciation, making the moment even more special.
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Mariah Carey’s Heartfelt Speech
Mariah Carey kicked off her speech with a playful jab at bad lighting, then thanked iHeart for the honor. She joked about airwaves being the “non-WiFi version of streaming” and shared how hearing her songs on the radio still feels magical.
She gave a sweet shoutout to her devoted “Lambily,” calling their love the greatest gift. Closing on an emotional note, she honored her late mother, Patricia, for passing down the gift of music.
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Lady Gaga Receives the Innovator Award
Lady Gaga was honored with the Innovator Award for her groundbreaking contributions to music and culture. Her fearless creativity and unique style have continually pushed boundaries.
This award recognizes her role as a modern-day artist innovator, inspiring fans and fellow artists alike. Gaga’s influence extends beyond music, impacting fashion and social movements.
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Doechii Honors Lady Gaga
Doechii took the stage to present Lady Gaga with the Innovator Award, delivering a heartfelt tribute. She praised Gaga for redefining artistry, inspiring fearlessness, and proving that creativity has no limits.
Calling Gaga a “lifeline” from her childhood, she connected as an artist, and a proud “Little Monster.” Gaga returned the love, celebrating Doechii as an innovator in her own right.
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Lady Gaga’s Powerful Speech
Lady Gaga reflected on receiving a career-honoring award at 38, calling it surreal. She joked that while she feels like she’s been in the industry forever, she’s only getting started.
She addressed the age stigma for women in pop, saying she’s “just getting warmed up.” Gaga closed with a bold statement on innovation, writing your own rules and making the world believe they were theirs.
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Nelly Sets the Stage on Fire
Nelly turned up the heat with a killer medley of his biggest bangers. The crowd went wild as he dropped Country Grammar (Hot Shit), Ride wit Me, E.I., and Hot in Herre.
His electrifying performance was a full-on celebration of his legendary career. With unstoppable energy, Nelly proved his hits will never go out of style.
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Ashanti’s Surprise Leaves Nelly Speechless
Ashanti shocked Nelly by unexpectedly taking the stage to present his Landmark Award. She playfully revealed, “He thought I just went to use the bathroom,” making the moment even sweeter.
Nelly’s stunned reaction showed just how much the surprise meant to him. In her speech, Ashanti credited her husband for “changing the game forever” and putting the Midwest “on the map” in the rap game.
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Nelly’s Emotional Speech
Nelly took a moment to thank his fans, calling their support the reason for his success. He also gave a heartfelt shoutout to Ashanti, appreciating her love and encouragement.
He spoke about perseverance in the music industry, urging young artists to stay true to their craft. Though his speech wasn’t aired live, media reports captured his inspiring words.
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The Voice That Defined Generations
Mariah Carey’s career is a masterclass in vocal brilliance, songwriting, and reinvention. From Vision of Love to All I Want for Christmas Is You, she shaped pop and R&B with her signature whistle notes.
With 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, she holds the record for the most by a solo artist. Beyond numbers, her influence spans generations, inspiring artists with her vocal mastery and fearless individuality.
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Nelly, A True Trailblazer
Nelly revolutionized hip-hop by blending rap with melodic hooks, making Country Grammar a cultural phenomenon. He broke genre barriers, seamlessly stepping into country music with hits like Over and Over featuring Tim McGraw.
With diamond-certified albums, multiple Grammys, and a lasting impact on pop culture, he redefined commercial rap success. His fusion of hip-hop and country paved the way for modern cross-genre collaborations.
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Pop’s Ultimate Innovator and Visionary
Lady Gaga shattered industry norms with her genre-defying music, theatrical performances, and fearless artistry. From The Fame to Chromatica, she’s continuously pushed creative and cultural boundaries.
Her impact isn’t just in music, she’s an Oscar-winning actress, philanthropist, and advocate for mental health rights. Gaga’s career proves that innovation isn’t about breaking rules but rewriting them.
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Unforgettable Performances
While tributes and honors took center stage, the night was also packed with jaw-dropping performances. Some of music’s biggest names delivered electrifying sets that had the crowd buzzing.
Billie Eilish mesmerized with her haunting vocals, while Gracie Abrams brought raw emotion to the stage. GloRilla’s fiery energy and Bad Bunny’s high-voltage set made sure the night ended on a thrilling note.
For more unforgettable highlights, dive into top wins & shows at iHeartRadio Music Awards.
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A Big Thank You
Mariah Carey, Nelly, and Lady Gaga, thank you for shaping music with your talent and fearless creativity. Your voices, vision, and passion have defined eras and inspired millions.
From record-breaking hits to boundary-pushing artistry, your legacies are undeniable. Here’s to the past, present, and the incredible music still to come.
And if you missed any of the unforgettable highlights, check out the most talked-about iHeart 2025 moments.
Which tribute stole the show for you? Drop a like and let us know in the comments!
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Last Updated: May 9, 2025
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