2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards: Host, Performers, Presenters & Everything To Need to Know

The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air LIVE from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17 at 8/7c on FOX.

By

Andrew Wendowski

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

Editorial Policy

|

Posted on March 17, 2025

Share on:

LL Cool J, Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards are upon us! The two-hour awards show broadcast is set to air live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17 at 8/7c on FOX.

Everything You Need To Know About The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards

The 12th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards will celebrate the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2024, while also offering a preview of the upcoming hits of 2025. The show will feature award presentations in multiple categories, live performances from the biggest artists in music, surprise guests and collaborations and will showcase the stories of the winning artists’ road to No. 1.

This year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards will also pay tribute to the resiliency and rebuilding of Los Angeles following the devastating wildfires affecting the entire community and will drive donations to Fireaidla.org. Contributions made to FireAid will be distributed, under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation, for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters. The Annenberg Foundation, with decades of philanthropic leadership in the community, including rapid response, will help coordinate a team to direct funds for the greatest impact.

“Our iHeartRadio Music Awards show is not a competition, it’s a night where we honor the incredible artists and songs that fans loved all year long – and this year’s show will shine a light on the devastating tragedy that impacted Los Angeles and enable us to deliver on our commitment to the communities we serve,” said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises and Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer of iHeartMedia. “Our long-standing partnership with FOX will not only bring this celebration into millions of television homes, it will also bring important awareness of how to help those in need.”

Music Mayhem compiled a full list of everything you need to know about the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards below.

How To Watch

The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air live from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday, March 17 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET live / PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The awards show can also be heard on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.

Host

Two-time Grammy® Award-winning Hip-Hop icon LL Cool J is set to host the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, making history as the first person to host the event twice, following his debut in 2022.

“Excited to be back on the iHeartRadio stage to host this year’s awards. It’s going to be a night to remember—big energy, iconic moments and special collaborations you won’t want to miss,” LL COOL J shared in a statement.

Performers

The star-studded performance lineup includes Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Kenny Chesney, Muni Long, Nelly and more.

To celebrate iHeartRadio’s Tour Of The Century Award, honoring Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, which launched two years ago to the day of this year’s telecast, the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards will feature an exclusive performance from that opening night show of The Eras’s Tour.

Presenters

Becky G, Billy Idol, Feid, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Joel McHale, Kekoa Kekumano, Kelsea Ballerini, Offset, Robin Thicke, Scott Caan, Sexyy Red, Victoria Monét and more are set to take the stage as presenters.

Nominees And Honorees

Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen lead the pack with a whopping total of ten nominations. Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone and Sabrina Carpenter follow behind with nine nods each.

Other nominees include aespa, Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Bruno Mars, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Doja Cat, ENHYPEN, FEID, Future, GloRilla, Green Day, Hozier, ILLIT, Jelly Roll, Jimin, Karol G, Lady Gaga, Linkin Park, Megan Thee Stallion, Metro Boomin, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Shaboozey, SZA, Tate McRae, Teddy Swims, Tyla, Usher, Xavi and more.

In addition to the nominees, iHeartRadio revealed that Lady Gaga will receive the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award, Mariah Carey will receive the 2025 iHeartRadio Icon Award and Taylor Swift will receive the new award, Tour of the Century, for her record-breaking Eras Tour. Nelly will be honored with the iHeartRadio Landmark Award and Gracie Abrams will take home the prestigious honor of iHeartRadio’s Breakthrough Artist of The Year.

For the full list of nominees, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards.

iHeartRadio Innovator Award Recipient: Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga will be honored with the Innovator Award, which is “presented to an artist who has impacted both music and global culture throughout their career.” Few artists in modern history have embraced creative risks as boldly—and successfully—as Lady Gaga. As one of the best-selling musicians of all time, she defines what it means to be a true artist and innovator. Gaga has dominated the charts across multiple genres, revolutionized live performances with groundbreaking tours, and showcased her versatility in film and television. Beyond her music and artistry, she is a passionate activist and philanthropist, advocating for mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and body positivity. In 2012, she founded the Born This Way Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth, embracing individuality, and promoting kindness and courage.

Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, U2 and Alicia Keys are past recipients of the iHeartRadio Innovator Award.

iHeartRadio Landmark Award Recipient: Nelly

Nelly will receive the prestigious iHeartRadio Landmark Award, which “honors artists whose album releases have inspired and shaped culture over multiple decades.”

Nelly burst onto the scene in 2000 with Country Grammar, a landmark album that sold over 10 million copies worldwide and launched his legendary career. He cemented his superstar status with Nellyville (2002), delivering chart-topping hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” with Kelly Rowland—tracks that earned him two of his three Grammy Awards. With over 21 million albums sold in the U.S. and more than 75 million records sold globally, the double diamond-selling artist stands among the best-selling rappers of all time. This performance marks the start of his headlining Where The Party At worldwide tour.

iHeartRadio Icon Award Recipient: Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, the best-selling female artist of all time, will be honored with the iHeartRadio Icon Award, “honoring her incredible and influential career as singer, songwriter, and producer, who has broken virtually every chart and touring record around the globe.” Carey is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide and 19 #1 singles. Beyond her countless accolades, she has remained a fiercely independent artist, setting the standard for female stars today. Her legendary five-octave range and signature whistle register continue to serve as a benchmark for vocalists who have followed in her footsteps. In 2025, she celebrates the 20th anniversary of The Emancipation of Mimi, an album that left a lasting impact on the music industry and inspired countless artists.

Cher, Elton John, Bon Jovi and more are past recipients of the iHeartRadio Icon Award.

iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of The Year Award Recipient: Gracie Abrams

Gracie Abrams will receive the iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year award during the show. The award celebrates Abrams’ achievements to date and continued trajectory.

In recent years, Gracie’s songwriting and performances have touched millions, captivating audiences worldwide. She has remained true to herself, crafting deeply personal songs while gracing some of the world’s biggest stages—most recently joining Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Beyond music, Gracie is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and encourages political awareness, particularly among Gen Z. This award honors her journey, remarkable talent, and deep connection with her fans.

iHeartRadio Tour of the Century Award Recipient: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour will be celebrated as Tour of the Century.

Share on:

Written by

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

See more posts from Andrew Wendowski

You may also like