The iHeartRadio Music Awards, held on Monday night, showcased a dazzling array of both emerging and iconic music legends. Honoring their remarkable contributions to the music industry, Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga received prestigious awards celebrating their enduring careers in entertainment. Meanwhile, SZA secured the title of R&B Artist of the Year for the third consecutive time, while Benson Boone’s heartfelt ballad “Stunning Issues” was named Song of the Year, signifying the event’s recognition of both veteran and rising stars alike.
During the ceremony, Doechii presented Lady Gaga with the Innovator of the Year award, describing Gaga as “a lifeline” from her childhood, emphasizing her connection as “an artist, as queer and as a ‘little monster.’” In a beautiful exchange, Gaga expressed her gratitude, also honoring Doechii as an innovator. This heartfelt moment highlighted the importance of mentorship and inspiration in the music industry, showcasing how established artists uplift new talents.
Lady Gaga took a moment to acknowledge her inspirations, thanking legends like David Bowie, Grace Jones, Carole King, Elton John, Lady Starlight, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Duke Ellington, Cher, and her dear friend Tony Bennett. She emphasized the importance of embracing the classics while forging one’s unique path in the music landscape, showcasing her commitment to both honoring her influences and innovating for the future.
Reflecting on her award at the age of 38, Gaga remarked, “Winning an award honoring my entire career at 38 years old is a hard thing to get my head around. On the one hand, I feel like I’ve been doing this forever, and on the other hand, I know I’m just getting started.” She expressed her determination to defy age stereotypes in the pop industry, asserting that innovation is about creating new rules and convincing the world they’ve always belonged to you.
Mariah Carey received the Icon Award, complemented by a stunning medley of her iconic songs performed by Tori Kelly and Muni Long. Although Carey did not take the stage to perform, she accepted the award with grace, humorously ensuring that the lighting was just right, stating, “Is the lighting okay, because I don’t like bad lighting.” This light-hearted moment underscored her charisma and enduring presence in the music world.
In a heartfelt tribute, Carey honored her late mother, saying, “On this Saint Patrick’s Day, I want to honor my mother Patricia Carey for giving me the gift of music.” Both her mother and sister, Alison, passed away in August, and this moment served as a poignant reminder of the personal struggles behind the public persona of a music icon.
Prior to Gracie Abrams’ captivating performance of “That’s So True,” Billie Eilish introduced her as the Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Eilish reminisced about their early days, recalling how they exchanged voice notes of their songs when Abrams was just 15. This beautiful connection highlights the supportive community among young artists and the importance of collaboration in the music industry.
Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on March 17, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
Christoper Polk
“You’re truly an icon, and I’ve looked up to you since we met,” Abrams expressed to Eilish. “Not just an icon because of your success but your artistry—I love you to death.” Abrams acknowledged the challenging times they live in but emphasized that gatherings like this remind everyone of the light and kindness that still exist within communities, highlighting the power of music to unite people.
Returning as a host, LL Cool J introduced a lineup of performers including Bad Bunny, Glorilla, Kenny Chesney, and Nelly, showcasing the diverse range of talent present during the event. This gathering not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the music industry.
Celebrating the iHeartRadio Music Awards Winners
Artist of the Year
Billie Eilish
Doja Cat
Jelly Roll
Kendrick Lamar
Morgan Wallen
Post Malone
Sabrina Carpenter
SZA
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Teddy Swims
Song of the Year
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
“Agora Hills” – Doja Cat
WINNER: “Stunning Issues” – Benson Boone
“Coffee” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Grasping” – Tate McRae
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
“Lose Control” – Teddy Swims
“Lovin on Me” – Jack Harlow
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
“Too Sweet” – Hozier
Best Collaboration
WINNER: “Die With a Smile” – Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
“Fortnight” – Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
“Like That” – Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar
“Miles on It” – Kane Brown and Marshmello
Producer of the Year
WINNER: Julian Bunetta
Jack Antonoff
Evan Blair
Mustard
Dan Nigro
Songwriter of the Year
Josh Coleman
Ernest
Ashley Gorley
WINNER: Amy Allen
Justin Tranter
Pop Song of the Year
“Agora Hills” – Doja Cat
“Stunning Issues” – Benson Boone
WINNER: “Coffee” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Grasping” – Tate McRae
“Too Sweet” – Hozier
Pop Artist of the Year
Billie Eilish
Chappell Roan
WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
Best New Artist (Pop)
Benson Boone
Chappell Roan
Gracie Abrams
Shaboozey
WINNER: Teddy Swims
Country Song of the Year
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
“Cowgirls” – Morgan Wallen featuring Ernest
“I Am Not Okay” – Jelly Roll
WINNER: “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
Country Artist of the Year
WINNER: Jelly Roll
Kane Brown
Lainey Wilson
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Best New Artist (Country)
Ashley Cooke
Dasha
George Birge
WINNER: Shaboozey
Hip-Hop Song of the Year
“Like That” – Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar
“Lovin on Me” – Jack Harlow
WINNER: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
“Rich Kid Daddy” – Drake featuring Sexyy Red and SZA
“TGIF” – GloRilla
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Drake
Future
WINNER: GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Travis Scott
Best New Artist (Hip-Hop)
310babii
BigXthaPlug
WINNER: BossMan Dlow
Money Cobain
Jordan Adetunji
R&B Song of the Year
“ICU” – Coco Jones
WINNER: “Made for Me” – Muni Long
“Sensational” – Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay
“Water” – Tyla
“WY@” – Brent Faiyaz
R&B Artist of the Year
Chris Brown
Muni Long
WINNER: SZA
Usher
Victoria Monét
Best New Artist (R&B)
WINNER: 4Batz
Ambré
Inayah
Josh X
Maeta
Alternative Song of the Year
“Dilemma” – Green Day
“Landmines” – Sum 41
“Neon Tablet” – Cage The Elephant
“The Vacancy Machine” – Linkin Park
WINNER: “Too Sweet” – Hozier
Alternative Artist of the Year
Cage The Elephant
WINNER: Green Day
Linkin Park
Sum 41
twenty one pilots
Best New Artist (Alt and Rock)
Djo
WINNER: Fontaines D.C.
Good Neighbours
Myles Smith
The Last Dinner Party
Rock Song of the Year
WINNER: “A Symptom of Being Human” – Shinedown
“All My Life” – Falling In Reverse and Jelly Roll
“Dark Matter” – Pearl Jam
“Screaming Suicide” – Metallica
“The Vacancy Machine” – Linkin Park
Rock Artist of the Year
Green Day
Linkin Park
Metallica
Pearl Jam
WINNER: Shinedown
Dance Song of the Year
WINNER: “360” – Charli xcx
“Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” – Bebe Rexha
“I Don’t Wanna Wait”- David Guetta and OneRepublic
“Make You Mine”- Madison Beer
“Water” – Tyla X Marshmello
Dance Artist of the Year
Calvin Harris
WINNER: David Guetta
Dua Lipa
Kylie Minogue
Tiësto
Latin Pop / Urban Song of the Year
“Brickell” – FEID X Yandel
“LA FALDA” – Myke Towers
WINNER: “Perro Negro” – Bad Bunny featuring FEID
“Qlona” – Karol G featuring Peso Pluma
“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” – Karol G
Latin Pop / Urban Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
WINNER: FEID
Karol G
Myke Towers
Shakira
Best New Artist (Latin Pop / Urban)
Christian Alicea
Cris MJ
Ela Taubert
Floyy
