The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards was a night filled with fashionable looks, unforgettable performances, and big wins. Some of the industry’s biggest stars gathered at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Monday (March 17) for an eventful night in music. The awards show left us with plenty of moments to talk about, from GloRilla winning Hip Hop Artist of the Year to a tribute for the iconic Mariah Carey. We are counting down the most memorable moments from this year’s awards show.
1. Glorilla Wins Hip Hop Artist of the Year
If anyone is on top of the world, it’s GloRilla. The rapper has had an unparalleled year following the release of her debut album. She gave a showstopping performance, bringing out Sexyy Red to perform “Whatchu Kno About Me” for the first time. She then rightfully accepted her award for “Hip Hop Artist of the Year.”
“Don’t let nobody tell y’all what y’all can’t do because they tried to count me out, but look where I’m at,” said GloRilla. “And I just want to thank everybody. Oh, first of all, thank God. Take everybody back—thank God first.”
2. SZA Receives R&B Artist of the Year
SZA continues to dominate as she received the “R&B artist of the Year” award. This is SZA’s third consecutive year winning the award. The artist donned a beautiful Iris Van Herpen dress and kept her speech short and sweet.
3. Tori Kelly and Muni Long Pay Tribute to Mariah Carey
Artists Tori Kelly and Muni Long took the iHeartRadio Music stage to sing some of Mariah Carey’s most timeless hits, such as “We Belong Together” and “Always Be My Baby.” Carey was the recipient of this year’s Icon Award. During the tribute, the cameras caught the Emotions singer seemingly throwing shade in a now-viral moment on social media. Carey accepted the award, honoring her late mother, who passed away last year.
4. Doechii and Lady Gaga Give Us the Crossover Moment We Needed
This year’s rising It Girl, Doechii, praised Innovator Award honoree Lady Gaga for helping “weird” kids feel comfortable in their own skin.
“As a kid who identified as an artist, as queer, and as a little monster, Lady Gaga wasn’t just a pop star. She was a lifeline. Gaga taught us that it was okay to be our real selves, to try new things, to try anything, to speak out, and to create,” said Doechii.
This was a special moment between the two artists as Gaga called Doechii an innovator already.
5. Nelly Was Cut Off
Nelly took everyone back to the early 2000s with a medley of his hits, including “Hot in Herre” and “Ride Wit Me.” His wife, Ashanti, then walked on stage to present him with the Landmark Award. Just as Nelly began his speech, the show cut to a commercial break, making him the only recipient who did not get any speaking time after accepting their award.
Award shows are always full of surprises, and the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards were no exception. Did you tune in? Comment below and let us know your favorite moments!
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