The iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025: full of fans, for the fans, and now, we’re fans!
The iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025: full of fans, for the fans, and now, we’re fans!
Words : Mix Cacho-Negrete
The iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025 is only twelve years old (launching in 2014), in an award show industry where giants like the Grammys and Oscars seem to rule. FAULT attended the 2025 awards earlier this week, and despite being a relatively new event, the show delivered a very impressive lineup of awards, performances, and fashion.
One of the special characteristics of the iHeartRadio Music Awards is that it’s fan-voted. Because of this aspect, talent really showed up – from Benson Boone (Song of the Year) to SZA (R&B Artist of the Year), and even Mariah Carey (iHeartRadio Icon Award) – there was very impressive artist attendance – and all speeches included ephaptic thank yous to their fans.
Another interesting part of the event was having presenters be fans (even though they’re also musicians). For example, recent Grammy winner Doechii presented Lady Gaga with the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award. Both women exchanged such meaningful words, with Doechii emphasizing how Gaga was a “lifeline” for her growing up. Another sweet interaction was Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams, the latter who won Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Eilish presented the award to Abrams, and again, both ladies expressed how they’ve admired each other since they were young. The show felt more intimate and honest than other award show counterparts – and maybe this is because it is fan-voted (rather than a faceless committee).
An unsurprising – but very fun – part of the awards was also the live performances. The show felt like a summary of our favorite 2024 songs, along with some of music’s greatest hits. Billie Eilish and Finneas opened the show with Wildflower, where thousands of fans lit up the stage with their phone cameras – click here for our coverage. Gracie Abrams performed “That’s so True” – a current pop cult favorite (you can watch our clip here). GloRilla performed her ultra viral songs “NEVER FIND” and “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME.” Oh, and who could forget about Nelly’s career-round up moment – including portions of “Country Grammar,” “Ride Wit Me,” “Air Force Ones,” “E.I.” and “Hot In Herre.” And, if that wasn’t enough for you, Bad Bunny performed his hit “EoO” – where he performed above sixty backup dancers in a “club,” then trust-fell into them…and kept performing. If you don’t believe me, you can see Fault’s video here.
And if you know me – I can’t write an article without *some* mention of fashion. There were a lot of spectacular looks at this event, with sparkles being a repeat characteristic amongst outfits. I loved Madison Beer’s sparkly black micro mini dress – it was fun and a little different. Doechii did not opt for sparkles and instead went with custom Miu Miu. The accessories were perfect, I loved how many different colors were included, and she continues to be a fashion icon. Gracie Abrams also did not go for the sparkles – but her quiet-luxury Khaite moment was chic. Muni Long (who also won R&B Song of the year) wore a fantastic sparkly halter top gown. Overall, the fashion was fun, fabulous, and most definitely celebratory.
iHeartRadio Awards 2025 – you were FAULTless in every way. Thanks for a great night!