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Opening the Night with a Bang
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards kicked off in style in Los Angeles on March 17, bringing the biggest names in music under one roof. From jaw-dropping performances to emotional wins, the night had it all!
Hosted by LL COOL J at the Dolby Theatre, Stars showed up dressed to impress, and the energy was electric. With unexpected surprises and history-making moments, this was a show to remember!
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Billie Eilish Sets the Mood with “WILDFLOWER”
Billie Eilish kicked off the night with an ethereal performance of WILDFLOWER, proving once again why she’s a generation-defining artist. With FINNEAS on acoustic guitar and the audience swaying their phone lights, the vibe was pure magic.
As the chorus swelled, Eilish’s haunting vocals had the crowd in a trance, hanging on to every note. By the outro, the arena fell completely silent—until thunderous applause broke the spell.
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Billie Eilish Wins Big—A Defining Moment
Billie Eilish continued her reign by taking home Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, proving she’s an unstoppable force. Dressed in her signature oversized style, she kept her speech short but powerful.
She thanked her fans for always embracing her evolution, calling this win “a really special one.” With her new era in full swing, Billie is showing no signs of slowing down!
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Lady Gaga Honored as an Innovator
Doechii had the honor of presenting Lady Gaga with the Innovator Award, delivering a heartfelt tribute to the pop icon. She praised Gaga for redefining artistry, inspiring fearlessness, and proving that creativity knows no limits.
In her acceptance speech, Gaga reflected on her journey and addressed ageism in the industry. “People try to tell you that your best years are behind you,” she said, shutting down the notion that innovation has an expiration date. “But I’m just getting started.”
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Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour—Tour of the Century
Taylor Swift made history yet again, as her Eras Tour was officially declared the Tour of the Century at the awards. Though she wasn’t there in person, she sent a heartfelt virtual message.
“This marks the two-year anniversary of the first Eras Tour show,” Taylor shared. She called it the most challenging yet rewarding experience of her career, with its 3.5-hour runtime and record-breaking number of shows.
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Taylor Swift’s Mirrorball Performance—A Dreamy Tribute
Swifties were treated to a special performance of Mirrorball, which aired after Taylor’s virtual acceptance speech. It was a performance clip from the tour’s opening night in Glendale, Arizona, showcasing her ethereal vocals and mesmerizing stage presence.
The performance was a love letter to the Eras Tour, capturing its magic in a single song. Even from afar, Taylor still knows how to command the stage!
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Sabrina Carpenter’s Big Wins at iHeartRadio 2025
Sabrina Carpenter took home two major awards at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, winning Pop Song of the Year for “Espresso” and Pop Artist of the Year. The recognition marked a huge milestone in her career.
Feeling “extremely honored,” Sabrina shared a heartfelt video message to express her gratitude. She thanked her dedicated fans for the overwhelming love and support they’ve shown her throughout her journey.
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Muni Long and Tori Kelly Honor Mariah Carey
Muni Long and Tori Kelly’s performances served as a special tribute to Mariah Carey. Muni Long sang “We Belong Together”, and Mariah showed her love by praising her after the performance.
Tori Kelly followed with “Always Be My Baby”, delivering a stunning version of the classic. Mariah was seen clapping and singing along, clearly proud of Tori’s performance.
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Mariah Carey Receives Icon Award: A Tribute to Family
Mariah Carey graced the stage to accept the Icon Award, delivering a speech that was both heartfelt and humorous. She paid tribute to her late mother, Patricia, acknowledging her for imparting the gift of music.
Carey’s gratitude extended to her fans, affectionately known as the “Lambily,” for their unwavering support. Her words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the personal journey behind her legendary career.
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SZA’s Historic Win
SZA made history at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards by winning R&B Artist of the Year for the third time. She became the first artist in iHeartRadio history to win this award three times.
Expressing her gratitude, SZA thanked fans, saying, “Thank you for recognizing me, thank you for playing my music.” Her win is a testament to her incredible influence and impact on the R&B genre.
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Nelly Honored with Landmark Award in a Surprise Moment
Nelly was in for an emotional surprise when his wife, R&B star Ashanti, took the stage to present him with the Landmark Award. The crowd erupted as she praised his impact on hip-hop and his crossover success in country music.
The rapper, clearly moved, embraced Ashanti before delivering a heartfelt speech, thanking his family, fans, and the genre-blending journey that made him an icon. The moment wasn’t just about career milestones—it was a personal celebration of his legacy with the woman he loves.
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Nelly’s Career-Spanning Medley
Nelly lit up the stage with a fiery medley of his biggest hits, proving why he’s a hip-hop icon. He had the crowd hyped with classics like Country Grammar, Ride Wit Me with City Spud, E.I., and the unforgettable Hot in Herre.
The energy was off the charts as Nelly took fans on a nostalgic ride through his legendary career. His performance was a standout moment of the night, reminding everyone why his music still hits just as hard today!
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Benson Boone’s Song of the Year: A Genuine Reaction
When Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” was announced as Song of the Year, his reaction was nothing short of priceless. The young artist’s wide-eyed surprise and heartfelt gratitude endeared him to the audience.
Boone’s authenticity shone through, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. His genuine emotion served as a reminder of the passion that fuels the music industry.
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Gracie Abrams’ Breakthrough Moment
Gracie Abrams took home Breakthrough Artist of the Year, a well-earned victory after a stellar year. The singer gave a heartfelt speech, thanking her inspirations Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo.
She spoke about finding light in uncertain times, dedicating the award to dreamers everywhere. With this win, Gracie officially cemented her place in the industry!
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Gracie Abrams’ Stunning Debut Performance
Gracie Abrams took the iHeart stage for the first time, delivering a heartfelt performance. With raw emotion and delicate vocals, she absolutely mesmerized the audience.
Gracie Abrams performed her hit song “That’s So True” from the deluxe edition of her second studio album, The Secret of Us. This performance was a defining moment in her skyrocketing career!
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Last Updated: May 9, 2025
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