iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026 – Host, performers and how to watch

If you prefer your awards shows to be lighthearted and fun rather than formal, the iHeartRadio Music Awards are a great choice. They’re not as prestigious as the Grammys, and that’s perfectly okay! The winners are often decided by fan votes, and the whole event is designed to be entertaining.

The awards show will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 8 pm Eastern Time. It will be hosted at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

Okay, so if you want to catch the action, you can watch it on FOX. Or, if you prefer streaming, Hulu + Live TV, YouTubeTV, Fox.com, and FuboTV all have it covered. Sling TV might have it too, depending on where you live, so check your local listings to be sure!

2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards: Host, performers, and how to watch

You can listen to the show for free on iHeartRadio and the iHeartRadio app if you prefer audio only. And honestly, music sounds best when you just listen, so tuning in without watching might be a great experience.

Atlanta rapper Ludacris will host the show and also receive the iHeartRadio Landmark Award, recognizing his significant and lasting influence on music and culture.

John Mellencamp is receiving a lifetime achievement award, the iHeartRadio Icon Award, which recognizes his decades of success in music.

Miley Cyrus is also being honored with an award! She’ll receive the iHeartRadio Innovator Award, which recognizes artists who have a significant influence on popular culture. Many fans first got to know Cyrus as the star of the Disney Channel show, Hannah Montana.

The performers will include John Mellencamp, Ludacris, Alex Warren, Lainey Wilson, RAYE, and Kehlani. For the first time ever, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue will perform together. Taylor Swift won’t be singing, but she is still expected to make an appearance.

Taylor Swift leads the nominations with nine, followed closely by Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Alex Warren, who each have eight. Here’s a look at the major award categories:

Song of the Year

  • “The Fate of Ophelia” — Taylor Swift
  • “Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter
  • “Anxiety” — Doechii
  • “Luther” —  Kendrick Lamar & SZA
  • “Ordinary” — Alex Warren
  • “Good News” — Shaboozey
  • “Love Somebody” — Morgan Wallen
  • “Stargazing” — Myles Smith
  • “Mutt” — Leon Thomas
  • “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” — Benson Boone

Artist of the Year

  • Taylor Swift
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Lady Gaga
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Bad Bunny
  • Benson Boone
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Tate McRae
  • Jelly Roll
  • Chris Brown

Pop Artist of the Year

  • Taylor Swift
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Tate McRae
  • Benson Boone
  • Alex Warren

Now that voting has closed, winners will be chosen in these categories: Best Broadway Debut, Best TikTok Dance, Best Debut Album, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Favorite On-Screen Duo, Favorite Tour Photographer, Favorite Soundtrack, Favorite Tour Style, Favorite Tour Tradition, and Favorite K-pop Collaboration.

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2026-03-25 17:00