The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards are set to take place on Thursday, 26 March, promising an exciting evening of celebration in music. Hosted by the multi-talented Ludacris, who is no stranger to the ceremony having hosted previously in 2024, the event will be broadcast live on Fox from the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The show is renowned for recognising popular music played on iHeartRadio stations and through its app, celebrating the top acts of the year.
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This year, the awards will also feature a special appearance by international superstar Taylor Swift, who leads the nominations with an impressive nine nods. Among her categories, she is recognised for Artist of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, and Best Music Video. In the competitive field, Swift is closely followed by Alex Warren, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bad Bunny, each of whom has received eight nominations.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the event, Ludacris stated, “I’m excited to return as host of the iHeartRadio Music Awards to celebrate and perform alongside some of the best in the industry. It’s going to be a night filled with special performances and surprise moments that fans are going to love.” In addition to hosting, Ludacris will be receiving the esteemed iHeartRadio Landmark Award, which honours the lasting cultural impact of artists across generations.
Performances during the ceremony will showcase a variety of talent from different genres. An anticipated highlight is the collaboration of TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue, performing together for the first time. Joining them on stage will be Ludacris, Alex Warren, Lainey Wilson, RAYE, Kehlani, and rock legend John Mellencamp.
The event promises not only thrilling performances but also celebratory appearances from numerous celebrities. Swift, in her first awards show of the year, will be joined by a diverse lineup of personalities including Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, comedian Nikki Glaser, and music icons like NE-YO and Nicole Scherzinger.
Several artists will be honoured at the ceremony aside from Ludacris. Alex Warren is set to receive the iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award in recognition of his rapid ascent in the music industry. Miley Cyrus, fresh off the heels of her appearance in the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, is poised to accept the Innovator Award, which recognises significant contributions to music and culture. Meanwhile, John Mellencamp will be presented with the iHeartRadio Icon Award.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards are known for their fan-driven nominations and voting process, which amplifies the voices of listeners from across the globe. According to John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises at iHeartMedia, and Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman, “This is an annual awards show made exclusively for fans, celebrating the biggest songs and artists they’ve loved listening to on iHeartRadio stations and our iHeartRadio app all year long.” They also noted that viewers can expect exclusive previews of upcoming songs scheduled for release in the summer of 2026.
Fans eager to catch the show can do so from 8 to 10 p.m. ET on Fox, with the ceremony available on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and through the iHeartRadio app. The event is a highlight in the music calendar, offering a blend of entertainment, celebration, and recognition for the artists who have made a significant impact over the past year.
As anticipation builds for this year’s 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, it seems set to be an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, honouring the artists who have shaped the current musical landscape. Whether through heartfelt performances or special recognitions, the awards serve as a reminder of the power of music to weave through culture and connect audiences.