iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026: Ludacris to Host, Taylor Swift Leads Nominations – Full Lineup Revealed

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards are shaping up to be one of the most star-studded spectacles of the spring, with a powerhouse lineup of performers, a record-breaking nominee list, and a host who’s pulling triple duty. Set to air live on Fox from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26, the ceremony will celebrate the songs and artists that dominated iHeartRadio stations and its app over the past year. And if the early buzz is any indication, this year’s show is poised to deliver moments that fans will be talking about long into the summer.

Ludacris Returns as Host, Performer, and Honoree

Rap icon Ludacris is stepping back into the spotlight as the master of ceremonies for the second time, having previously hosted in 2024. But the Atlanta-bred artist won't just be introducing acts—he’ll also take the stage for a performance and accept the prestigious iHeartRadio Landmark Award, recognizing his decades-long cultural impact across music, film, and philanthropy.

“I’m excited to return as host of the iHeartRadio Music Awards to celebrate and perform alongside some of the best in the industry,” Ludacris said in a statement. “It’s going to be a night with special performances and surprise moments fans are going to love.”

The Landmark Award is reserved for artists whose catalogues have left an indelible mark on culture—previous recipients include icons like Elton John and Mariah Carey. Ludacris, whose hits like “Stand Up” and “Money Maker” remain staples, joins that elite company.

Taylor Swift Dominates Nominations

Unsurprisingly, Taylor Swift leads the pack with nine nominations, including Artist of the Year, Pop Artist of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, and Best Music Video. The Eras Tour juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down, and her presence at the awards—her first major televised appearance of 2026—is expected to generate massive buzz.

Hot on her heels are Alex Warren, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bad Bunny, each earning eight nominations. The trio reflects the diversity of today’s chart-toppers: Warren’s viral breakthrough, Carpenter’s pop resurgence, and Bad Bunny’s global dominance.

Other notable nominees include Benson Boone, BLACKPINK, Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, LISA, Morgan Wallen, RAYE, SZA, and Tate McRae. The breadth of genres—from country to K-pop to Latin trap—underscores iHeartRadio’s commitment to reflecting what fans are actually listening to.

Performances: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Collaboration & More

One of the most anticipated moments of the night will be a historic collaboration: TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue will share the stage together for the first time. The supergroup set promises to be a nostalgic powerhouse, blending R&B and hip-hop classics that defined the ’90s.

Additional performers include:

• Ludacris (in addition to hosting and accepting his award)
• Alex Warren, who will also receive the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award
• Lainey Wilson, fresh off her country crossover success
• RAYE, the British singer-songwriter known for her genre-blending hits
• Kehlani, bringing R&B flair
• John Mellencamp, who will be honored with the Icon Award before performing

Miley Cyrus, meanwhile, will receive the iHeartRadio Innovator Award, a nod to her evolution from Disney star to boundary-pushing pop-rock provocateur. The honor comes on the heels of her recent Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, which reignited nostalgia for her early career.

Special Appearances and Presenters

The event’s presenters and guests read like a who’s who of entertainment. Taylor Swift’s appearance alone will draw eyeballs, but the lineup also includes figure-skating sensation Alysa Liu, internet personality sombr, comedian Nikki Glaser, R&B legend NE-YO, former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, and alt-rock favorites Weezer.

“We’re thrilled to bring together talent from every corner of pop culture,” said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises at iHeartMedia, in a joint statement with Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman. “FOX viewers will also get an exclusive preview of some of the songs they’ll be listening to in the Summer of ‘26.”

Honors That Carry Weight

Beyond Ludacris’s Landmark Award, the ceremony will spotlight rising star Alex Warren with the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award. Warren’s meteoric rise—fueled by viral hits and a dedicated online following—has made him one of the most-watched newcomers in pop.

Miley Cyrus’s Innovator Award recognizes her ability to reinvent herself while staying culturally relevant, from Bangerz to Plastic Hearts. And John Mellencamp will receive the Icon Award, a lifetime achievement distinction for his contributions to heartland rock and storytelling.

These special honors elevate the iHeartRadio Music Awards beyond a simple popularity contest, giving the night a sense of historical significance.

How to Watch

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26, from 8 to 10 p.m. ET on Fox. Fans can also listen to the show on iHeartRadio stations nationwide or stream it via the iHeartRadio app.

For those who want to catch every moment—from Ludacris’s medley to Taylor Swift’s anticipated acceptance speeches—this is one awards show that promises to be as unpredictable as it is star-studded. As the music industry continues to evolve, iHeartRadio remains a bellwether for what fans truly love, and this year’s ceremony is a testament to the power of radio in a streaming world.

Disclaimer - All celebrity-related content, information, and images on this website are based on publicly available online sources and AI-generated insights/data. Information such as biography, age, career, personal details, and images may change without notice over time. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any information or imagery displayed on this website. This content is provided for general informational purposes only.