LL Cool J to Host iHeartRadio Music Awards Again Drag

The 12th Annual iHeartRadio Music Awards are right around the corner! Mark your calendars for Monday, March 17, 2025

Pauline Afande
March 12, 2025
The 12th Annual iHeartRadio Music Awards are right around the corner! Mark your calendars for Monday, March 17, 2025, because Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles will turn into a glittering spectacle of musical talent, excitement, and, of course, some incredible surprises. This year promises to blend past favorites with a sneak peek at tomorrow's hits, making it an unmissable event for fans everywhere!
The iHeartRadio Music Awards will showcase artists who ruled the airwaves in 2024 and also those who might dominate 2025. Fans can listen in from all corners of the country on iHeartRadio stations and via the iHeartRadio app, providing a unique opportunity to join in the fun no matter where you are.
This year's ceremony is particularly exciting with the addition of several brand-new categories. Fan voting (which kicked off on January 22 and wraps up on March 10) will determine your favorite soundtrack, Broadway debut, K-pop dance challenge, surprise guest, and tour tradition. They're finally recognizing dance-offs and surprises that keep fans talking long after the concert ends.
The event will honor the classics too. Expect to see some familiar faces in returning categories like Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, and Favorite Tour Style. The blend of new and returning categories keeps it fresh and gives fans a broad canvas to shine a light on all different aspects of the music industry, from stunning visuals to engaging performances. Vote at iHeartRadio.com/awards and let your voice be heard!
With LL Cool J at the helm as host for the second time (he hosted in 2022), fans should prepare for a night filled with charisma and laughter. This iconic figure has helmed various prestigious awards shows and is the first to return for a second round at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Set to captivate us all, LL Cool J's charisma is sure to brighten the stage as he guides us through an evening highlighting music’s best and brightest.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the hosting duties! The performer lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Look out for jaw-dropping performances from everyone’s favorites, including Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Kenny Chesney, Muni Long, and Nelly. The show promises to have something for everyone.
Let’s also take a moment to acknowledge the heavyweights in the running this year! The competition is fierce, with Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen leading the pack with ten nominations each. Hot on their heels are Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Sabrina Carpenter, each snagging nine nods. It’s a star-studded showdown, and they all compete for the coveted Artist of the Year award alongside talent like Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, SZA, and Teddy Swims. Who will take home the gold? Only time will tell!
Fans will be thrilled to see some of music’s most influential figures receiving well-deserved honors. Lady Gaga will be presented the iHeartRadio Innovator Award, recognizing her lasting impact on both music and global culture. Meanwhile, Mariah Carey will snag the iHeartRadio Icon Award for her timeless contributions that have shaped the musical landscape. Let’s not forget the legends like Nelly, who will receive the iHeartRadio Landmark Award for his culturally impactful albums over the decades.
In a grand way to celebrate, Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour is officially crowned the Tour of the Century! And yes, we're only a quarter of the way into this century, but her impact thus far is undeniable. As an exclusive treat, fans can expect to see a performance from the opening night of the Eras Tour that took place on March 17, 2023.
So, gather your friends, get ready to cheer for your favorites, and make sure to tune in live from the Dolby Theatre on March 17 from 8 to 10 p.m. ET (live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The stage is set, the nominees are crowned, and the artists are ready to shine. The countdown has begun, and it’s going to be one for the history books!

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