Highlights from the 2025 iHeart Radio Music Awards!

The lights shone bright at The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on March 17th, 2025, as music’s biggest night unfolded — the 2025 iHeart Radio Music Awards! Hosted by the legendary LL Cool J, the event brought together not just awards, but unforgettable performances that had fans on the edge of their seats, celebrating the best and brightest in the music industry over the past year.

One of the standout moments of the evening came from breakout star Benson Boone, who captured hearts and accolades alike by winning ‘Song of the Year’ for his hit single, ‘Beautiful Things.’ This triumph marked a historic milestone; it was the first time a male artist clinched the award since The Weeknd’s victory in 2021. “This is a crazy job and not what I was expecting to do with my life,” Boone exclaimed, recognizing the sheer unpredictability of stardom. “Every day is a new adventure.” His infectious spirit truly exemplified the essence of the night!

But that wasn’t all—Gracie Abrams dazzled as she took home the prestigious title of ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year.’ With immense gratitude, Abrams credited icons like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo for opening doors for emerging talent. Fans might recall her thrilling support act on Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ tour back in 2022, a stepping stone that has fuelled her meteoric rise. It was a heartwarming reminder of the power of mentorship in the music world.

The crown jewel of the evening was undoubtedly the ‘Tour of the Century’ award, presented to the one and only Taylor Swift for her groundbreaking ‘Eras Tour.’ Selling over 10 million tickets, this tour has become a cultural phenomenon, allowing Swifties around the globe to revel in the magic of her diverse discography. Although Taylor couldn’t be there in person, her virtual acceptance speech radiated her love and appreciation, especially poignant as it coincided with the two-year anniversary of the tour. What a special way to honor such an incredible journey!

The night wouldn’t have been complete without a stellar lineup of performances that truly showcased the musical prowess of the industry. From the haunting melodies of Billie Eilish to the lively rhythms of Bad Bunny, the energy was electric! Gracie Abrams took the stage to perform her award-winning tracks, alongside the dynamic talents of Kenny Chesney, GloRilla, Muni Long, and Nelly, leaving audiences breathless and cheering for more.