Editorial: The 2021 iheartRadio Music Awards

People at Concert

May 27, 2021, the 2021 iheartRadio Music Awards took place, hosted by R&B singer Usher. He gave a lovely heartfelt monologue about music and him looking forward to the evening.

Congratulations to the winners of last night’s awards! 

Highlights

Performances 

-Opening Act: The Weekend & Ariana Grande performed Save Your Tears. It was a remarkable performance from these two artists.

-Dan + Shay – Glad You Exist
The duo gave a heartwarming performance of this incredible single.

-Silk Sonic – Leave The Door Open
The group gave an epic performance that had a bold and vintage 70s vibe.

-Elton John Homage by three talented artists performed after the speeches and a touching montage (more details under awards section).

  •  H.E.R – Bennie & The Jets
  • Brandi Carlisle – Don’t Let The Sun Come Down On Me
  • Demi Lovato –  I’m Still Standing

These three artists remarkably performed the covers of these three classic hits by Sir Elton John. They honoured the British star nicely.

-Doja Cat (Medley): She sang her medley impressively with passion and heart.

  • Say So
  • Kiss Me More

-Usher – A Medley of his famous hits

  • Love In This Club
  • U Don’t Have To Call
  • Dj’s Got Us Falling In Love Again
  • Yeah 
  • Get Low

In the last two songs, Lil Jon joins Usher to perform with him. It was the final performance of the night, but it ended on a high note. What a joy to watch Usher sing on stage- I felt nostalgic.

Awards

-Best Collaboration: Meghan The Stallion & Beyoncé for the remix of the single Savage.

-Alternative Rock Artist of the Year: Twenty One Pilots

-Male Artist of The Year: The Weeknd

-iHeart Icon Award: Sir Elton John

Side Note: Chris Martin gave a fantastic introduction full of humour and heart. Then, there was a lovely montage that honoured Sir Elton John’s impressive career as a singer, including him selling over 300 million albums worldwide. 

   After the performances, Elton John gave a humble and heartfelt speech. His kindness touched me in inviting young artists to encourage them as they start.

-Hip-Hop Artist of the year: Roddy Rich

-Best New Country Artist: Gabby Barret

-Best New Alternative Artist: Powfu

-Best Latin Artist: Rauw Alejandro

-Best New Hip-Hop Artist: Roddy Rich

-Best New R&B Artist: Snoh Allegra

-Best New Pop Artist: Doja Cat

-Female Artist of The Year: Dua Lipa

-R&B Artist of The Year: H.E.R

-Series of awards

  • Best Country Song of The Year: Maren Morris – The Bones
  • Alternative Rock Album – Machine Gun Kelly – Tickets to my Downfall
  • Social Star Award: Olivia Rodrigo
  • Dance Album of The Year: é
  • R&B Album of The Year: Jhené Aiko – Chilombo
  • Country Artist of The Year: Luke Combs
  • Hip-Hop Album of The Year: Lil Baby – My Turn
  • Best Fan Army & Best Music Video: BTS

-Song of The Year: The Weeknd – Blinding Lights

Once again, congrats to all the winners of the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Usher did a remarkable job hosting the event, which he did with enthusiasm and dedication.

Take care

Flora Youssef

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