The 12th annual IHeartRadio Music Awards took place on March 17, 2025, with the host L Cool J at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. From Gracie Abrams’ first award show performance ever to Billie Eilish’s long-awaited Album of the Year award for Hit Me Hard and Soft, this award show brought excitement to fans around the world. The Tour of the Century award was given to Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, Even though we aren’t even halfway through the century.
To begin, Billie Eilish was finally recognized for her new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, as she won Album of the Year. Many fans of Billie were ecstatic about her win after not winning anything for her work at the Grammy Awards. Billie Eilish also presented the award of Best Breakthrough Artist to Gracie Abrams. The award of Pop Artist of the Year went to Sabrina Carpenter, who was well deserving. SZA was given the award for best R&B artist for the third time in a row. Lady Gaga, who recently released her new album Mayhem, was awarded the IHeartRadio Innovator award. “She is considered a “true definition of a modern-day artist innovator” who has taken creative risks with a high level of success,” said a fan of Gaga. Mariah Carey took home the IHeartRadio icon of the year award. Country Artist of the Year went to Jelly Roll, the IHeartRadio landmark award was presented to Nelly, and Hip-Hop Artist of the Year went to GloRilla.
After almost two years of nonstop touring, Taylor Swift was awarded the Tour of the Century award even with seventy-five years left in the century. This award recognized the tour’s record-breaking success, including grossing $2 billion in ticket sales and playing 149 shows in 22 countries. Her tour also featured unique elements like surprise songs, a highlight for fans, and a tour tradition. Gracie Abrams also performed for the first time at an award show, playing her hit song That’s So True.
All in all, The IHeartRadio Music Awards was an important night for many famous artists such as Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, SZA, and Taylor Swift. The awards are important and a significant piece that represents an artist’s success in their profession. It also boosts an artist’s ego and drives them to continue with their work, as fans also become supportive of them.
