IHEARTRADIO MUSIC AWARDS 2026: Taylor Swift dominates with 7 wins as Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” snatches Song of the Year. See the full list of winners, Travis Kelce’s appearance, and the historic TLC and Salt-N-Pepa reunion.
The stars aligned at the Dolby Theatre on Thursday, March 26, 2026, for the 13th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards. Hosted by the legendary Ludacris, the night was a high-octane celebration of the most-played artists and songs across iHeartRadio stations over the past year.
From Taylor Swift’s record-breaking night to a historic reunion of 90s R&B royalty, the ceremony balanced nostalgic tributes with the rise of a new generation of superstars.
The Big Winners: Taylor’s Seven and Alex’s Breakthrough
While many expected a big night for the nominees, Taylor Swift once again proved her status as the industry’s titan, walking away with seven awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year. However, the biggest shock of the night came in the Song of the Year category, where newcomer Alex Warren took home the trophy for his viral hit, “Ordinary.”
| Major Category | Winner | Notable Nominees Defeated |
| Artist of the Year | Taylor Swift | Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga |
| Song of the Year | “Ordinary” – Alex Warren | “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Love Somebody” |
| Pop Artist of the Year | Sabrina Carpenter | Taylor Swift, Tate McRae, Benson Boone |
| Best Collaboration | “APT.” – Rosé & Bruno Mars | “Timeless,” “Luther,” “All The Way” |
| Best New Pop Artist | Alex Warren | Myles Smith, Jessie Murph, Sombr |
Viral Moments: Travis Kelce and “The Life of a Showgirl”
The audience erupted when Taylor Swift made her first official awards show appearance with fiancé Travis Kelce. The couple sat front-and-center, with Taylor giving a sweet nod to the NFL star during her acceptance speech for Best Pop Album.
“I love what I do, and I love that you’ve allowed me to do it for this long,” Swift told the cheering crowd. “And thanks to my fiancé for the vibes—you keep the energy high even when the songs are sad.”
The night wasn’t without its “oops” moments, either. Alternative Album of the Year winner Sombr accidentally let out a few choice words during his unfiltered acceptance speech, while Vin Diesel jokingly struggled to read the teleprompter while presenting the Landmark Award to his “brother”, Ludacris.
Legendary Honors and Explosive Performances
The 2026 ceremony leaned heavily into legacy. John Mellencamp received the iHeartRadio Icon Award, performing a soul-stirring acoustic medley of “Small Town” and “Jack & Diane.” Meanwhile, the crowd was brought to its feet for a “first-time ever” collaborative performance by TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue, who turned the Dolby Theatre into a massive 90s dance party.
Miley Cyrus was also honoured with the Innovator Award, reflecting on her 20-year journey since Hannah Montana. “Sometimes, the fake you can actually reveal the new you,” she remarked in a poignant speech about artistic evolution.
