The Most Talked-About iHeart 2025 Moments

A Show to Remember!

The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards came, slayed, and left us all buzzing! The two-hour spectacle was packed with jaw-dropping performances, history-making wins, and enough viral moments to keep fans talking for weeks.

From surprise shoutouts to meme-worthy reactions, the night had everything, including a few “Did that just happen?!” moments. Buckle up, because we’re diving into the biggest, wildest, and most unforgettable highlights of the night!

Billie Eilish’s Spellbinding Opener

Billie Eilish set the mood with a stunning performance of “WILDFLOWER. With FINNEAS on acoustic guitar, she delivered pure magic, sending chills through the crowd.

As fans lit up the theater, her vocals soared, building to an electrifying chorus. By the outro, the arena fell silent, hanging on every hauntingly beautiful note.

A Vocal Tribute Fit for a Queen!

Muni Long and Tori Kelly took on the impossible—belting Mariah Carey’s legendary hits We Belong Together and Always Be My Baby. And to make things even more nerve-wracking? They did it with Mariah watching from the audience!

But these powerhouse vocalists didn’t just survive—they thrived! Their flawless performance had the crowd cheering, and even the queen herself looked impressed. Now that’s how you honor an icon!

Mariah’s Side-Eye Sparks Drama!

A viral clip of Mariah Carey’s reaction to Muni Long’s tribute had fans buzzing. Some thought the icon threw shade as she glanced sideways during Long’s performance of We Belong Together.

But Long shut down the drama fast, revealing that Carey personally asked her to sing. “You thought I chose this? Nobody can sing Mariah like Mariah,” she clapped back. Mic drop!

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Crowned Tour of the Century!

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour made history once again, officially earning the Tour of the Century title at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Though she couldn’t attend in person, Swift delivered a heartfelt virtual acceptance speech.

As her speech ended, a special clip of Mirrorball from the tour aired, sending Swifties into full nostalgia mode. With record-breaking success and unforgettable moments, Eras wasn’t just a tour—it was a movement!

Nelly Brings the Heat – Then Gets Cut Off!

Nelly turned up the nostalgia with a fire medley of “Hot in Herre” and “Ride Wit Me.” The crowd was on their feet as he delivered hit after hit, proving he’s still got it!

Then came the big moment—his wife, Ashanti, walked out to present him with the Landmark Award. Just as he started his speech, boom—commercial break! The only winner of the night to get cut off, leaving fans stunned.

Gracie Abrams’ Breakthrough Moment!

At just 25, Gracie Abrams cemented her rising star status by winning Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. She took the stage with gratitude, shouting out Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo—two megastars she’s had the honor of opening for on tour.

Beyond the star-studded thank-yous, Abrams used her moment to spread positivity, offering words of encouragement in these “uncertain” times. With a voice that resonates beyond music, she proved she’s more than just a breakout—she’s here to stay!

Lady Gaga: The Ultimate Innovator!

Lady Gaga proved why she’s a force of nature as she accepted the Innovator Award in true Gaga fashion. Dressed in a stunning red McQueen gown, she thanked icons like Bowie and Madonna for inspiring her fearless creativity.

But she didn’t just accept the award—she owned it. Gaga urged artists to “break the mold” and never chase trends, reminding everyone, “The world doesn’t need another copy. It desperately needs your original.” Now that’s innovation at its finest!

Mariah Carey: The Ultimate Diva Moment!

Only Mariah Carey could turn an acceptance speech into an iconic moment. Before even beginning, she made sure to check, “Is the lighting okay? Because I don’t like bad lighting.” Classic Mimi!

She then delivered a hilarious generational quip, explaining airwaves as “the non-WiFi version of streaming.” With wit, glam, and a voice that defined eras, Carey reminded everyone why she’s the true Icon Award queen!

Benson Boone’s Meme-Worthy Shock!

Benson Boone took home Song of the Year for Beautiful Things, but his reaction stole the show! In dramatic fashion, he slid off his shades to reveal a hilariously exaggerated OMG face.

The internet wasted no time, instantly turning it into the next big awards show meme. A new “shocked winner” reaction? Check. Thanks for the content, Benson!

SZA’s R&B Reign Continues!

SZA just made history, becoming the first-ever artist to win R&B Artist of the Year three times in a row at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards! With wins in 2023, 2024, and now 2025, she’s proving there’s no stopping her soulful dominance.

“I’m incredibly grateful,” she said as she accepted the honor. Three-peat status unlocked—SZA isn’t just thriving in R&B, she’s redefining it!

Billie & Gracie’s Sweet Gen Z Moment

Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams gave fans the ultimate bestie moment at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Eilish, a longtime friend, presented Abrams with the Breakthrough Award, reminiscing about their early days as teenage songwriters.

After Abrams wowed the crowd with her viral hit “That’s So True,” the two shared a heartfelt hug. Abrams sealed the moment by calling Eilish an “icon,” proving that sad girl pop queens stick together!

Bad Bunny’s High-Energy Spectacle

Bad Bunny hit the stage in an oversized white coat, commanding attention from the start. He delivered “EoO” from Debí Tirar Más Fotos while strolling across an elevated platform.

As the beat intensified, he trust-fell off the stage, sending the crowd into a frenzy. He then took things up a notch by crowdsurfing over a crew of dancers, making it a truly unforgettable moment.

Did Travis Kelce Film Taylor’s Speech?

Eagle-eyed fans noticed a reflection in her trophy that resembled her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, sparking speculation that he filmed the video. Many are convinced it was none other than her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, behind the camera, adding a sweet personal touch.

Social media buzzed with theories, analyzing every angle of the shiny iHeart trophy. Whether Kelce was the cameraman or not, fans loved the idea of him capturing yet another milestone in Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour era!

Mariah Carey Crowned an Icon!

The Songbird Supreme added another jewel to her legendary career, receiving the prestigious Icon Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. With decades of record-breaking hits and an untouchable legacy, Carey proved why she’s music royalty.

Emotional yet radiant, she thanked her fans, family, and industry supporters, calling their love “the greatest gift.” She also honored her mother, Patricia Carey, for passing down the gift of music, solidifying this as a truly iconic moment!

Read more about Mariah Carey’s powerful journey from trauma to triumph and how she overcame it all to become the icon she is today.

JoJo Siwa’s Dazzling Red Carpet Look!

JoJo Siwa made sure all eyes were on her at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, rocking a bejeweled half-face mask and a gravity-defying hairpiece. With rhinestones forming an eye mask and a shimmery pink-and-silver headpiece, she delivered a look straight out of Whoville chic!

Siwa revealed that the bedazzling process took four hours, while her towering hair creation was a “pretty chill” one-hour job. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying—JoJo knows how to make an entrance!

Curious about the latest in Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance? Check out more on whether their relationship is in trouble.

Read more from the brand:

• Selena Gomez Collaborates with Gracie Abrams
• How Billie Crafted ‘Birds of a Feather’

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