The iHeartRadio Music Awards are set to return with an impressive lineup of nominees for 2026, headlined by pop superstar Taylor Swift. Swift has garnered nine nominations, including top honors for Song of the Year with "The Fate of Ophelia" and the coveted Artist of the Year award. Close behind are Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Alex Warren, each receiving eight nominations, underscoring their significant impact on the music scene.
This year's awards ceremony, held live at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26, introduces several new categories to reflect evolving music consumption and fan engagement. Among the fresh additions are Favorite TikTok Dance, Favorite Debut Album, and Favorite K-Pop Collab, acknowledging the growing influence of social media and global music trends. Furthermore, categories like Favorite Tour Tradition, Favorite Tour Style, and Favorite Tour Photographer will allow fans to celebrate the live performance aspect of music.
John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises, and Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer of iHeartMedia, emphasized the fan-centric nature of the awards. They highlighted that the event is designed to celebrate the artists and songs that listeners have embraced throughout the year on iHeartRadio platforms. Top-nominated artists this year also include Benson Boone, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Leon Thomas, and Shaboozey, indicating a broad recognition of talent across various genres.
Fan participation remains a cornerstone of the iHeartRadio Music Awards, with social voting now open. Enthusiasts can cast their votes on the official iHeartRadio website until March 19 at 11:59 p.m. PST, playing a direct role in determining the winners of these prestigious awards. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of music and the artists who have captivated audiences worldwide.
In addition to the leading nominees, the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards feature a comprehensive list of nominations across multiple genres. From Pop Artist of the Year to Hip-Hop Song of the Year, and from Country Artist of the Year to K-pop Group of the Year, the awards aim to recognize excellence across the musical spectrum. Notable categories also include Best New Artist in various genres, highlighting emerging talents who are making their mark in the industry. The breadth of nominations ensures that a wide array of musical styles and artists are celebrated, reinforcing the awards' commitment to showcasing the diversity of contemporary music.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards are shaping up to be an exciting event, celebrating a year of diverse musical achievements and acknowledging the powerful connection between artists and their fans. With new categories and a strong emphasis on social voting, the awards continue to adapt to the dynamic landscape of the music industry.