On March 26, 2026, the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026 took place, hosted by Ludacris.
It was a lovely music awards show, filled with impressive performances. Ludacris did an excellent job hosting throughout the night. A detail that stood out—and I imagine amused many viewers—was the running joke that if anyone’s speech exceeded 45 seconds, they would hear “Luda” (short for Ludacris). This clever cue added a memorable touch to the event.
Following the energetic opening, the show began with Ludacris’ fun and heartfelt monologue. This smoothly transitioned into a career homage to Alex Warren, who then took the stage to perform two of his singles. His impact was further recognised when he won Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
There were three other awards I want to give honourable mentions to: the Innovator of the Year award to Miley Cyrus, the Icon Award to John Mellencamp, and the Landmark Award to Ludacris.
The Icon Award to John Mellencamp beautifully honoured his 50-year music career. It was presented by his daughter, Teddy Mellencamp. A sweet moment.
Congratulations to the winners of the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Performances
*Opening Act: Alex Warren – Medley
–Ordinary
-Fever Dreams
It was a lovely way to start the iHeartRadio Music Awards. He gave an amazing performance.
*Lainey Wilson
-Wild Flowers and Wild Horses
-Heart Like A Truck
-Hang Tight Honey
Lainey Wilson sang each song with heart and soul.
*TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue – Medley performance
-Hold On (En Vogue)
-Waterfalls (TLC)
-Whatta Man (Salt N Pepa)
-No Scrubs (TLC)
-Free Your Mind (EN Vogue)
-Push It! (Salt N Pepa)
–What About Your Friends (TLC)
It was an epic performance, featuring an impressive medley of songs that evoked nostalgia and beautifully honoured the amazing R&B music of the 80s and 90s. I remembered some of those songs, especially the TLC songs. It brought back memories.
*John Mellencamp – Medley
–Jack & Diane
–Ain’t That America
John Mellencamp gave a heartfelt performance of his two singles Jack & Diane andAin’t That America. There was a beautiful atmosphere.
*Kehlani – Folded
She gave a dynamic performance of her new single.
*Final Performance: Ludacris – Medley
-Rollout (My Business)
-Money Maker
-My Chick Bad
-Stand Up
-Move B***h
Ludacris gave an impressive performance of his many hits. It was especially fun to see a Ludacris mascot.
Congratulations again to the winners of the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Ludacris did an incredible job as the host of last night’s awards.
Flora Youssef
