Ludacris to host this year’s award show and also receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award

Miley Cyrus to be honored with the 2026 iHeartRadio Innovator Award

Alex Warren to receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award

Company Website: https://www.iheart.com/music-awards/
NEW YORK -- (Business Wire)

iHeartMedia and FOX Entertainment today announced that the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will feature performances by Alex Warren, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, and performing for the first time together TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue. Ludacris will host the annual event and also receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award. Additionally, Miley Cyrus will be honored with the 2026 iHeartRadio Innovator Award and Alex Warren will receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award. The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards airs LIVE from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 26 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET live / PT tape-delayed) on FOX and will also be heard on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.

In addition to hosting and performing, Ludacris will receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award, which honors artists whose portfolio has shaped culture across multiple decades. A pioneering force in hip‑hop, Ludacris broke through with his major label debut album Back for the First Time (2000) which established him as a mainstream star. He went on to deliver multi‑platinum albums including Word of Mouf (2001), Chicken‑n‑Beer (2003) and The Red Light District (2004), solidifying his place as one of the defining artists of the 2000s. Over the course of his career, he has earned three Grammy Awards and expanded his cultural impact through acclaimed acting roles, including his long‑running role as Tej Parker in the Fast & Furious franchise. With 17 million albums sold in the U.S. and 24 million records sold worldwide, Ludacris remains one of hip‑hop’s most successful and influential artists. This performance also marks a celebratory moment as he launches into his next chapter of worldwide touring.

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

Each year the iHeartRadio Innovator Award is presented to an artist who has impacted both music and global culture throughout their career, and this year’s recipient is Miley Cyrus. From her groundbreaking role 20 years ago in Hannah Montana, a cultural phenomenon that continues to shape and inspire generations, to her evolution into one of the most fearless, dynamic and influential voices in music today, Miley’s impact on pop culture is undeniable. Beyond her artistry, Miley’s humanitarian work has made a profound impact. Through the Miley Cyrus Foundation, and the launch of Happy Hippie, she has been a powerful advocate for homeless and at‑risk youth, especially teens facing housing insecurity. Her efforts have helped amplify vulnerable voices, provide essential resources and build community for young people who need it most. Past recipients of the iHeartRadio Innovator Award include Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, U2, Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga.

Alex Warren will be honored with the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award, celebrating his remarkable rise and record‑shattering achievements. Over the past year, Alex has emerged as one of the most impactful new voices in pop music, with his emotional songwriting and powerful performances resonating across generations. His success reached historic heights as he shattered all‑time Mediabase chart records, spending 16 weeks at No.1 on Top 40 and 29 weeks at No.1 on Hot AC, cementing his place among the most dominant radio artists of the modern era. Alex has built a deeply loyal fanbase, and his influence continues to grow as he uses his platform to foster community, connection and emotional openness among fans. This award recognizes Alex’s extraordinary trajectory, undeniable talent and the uniquely powerful bond he’s created with listeners around the world.

The 13th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards will celebrate the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2025, while also offering a preview of the upcoming hits of 2026. The show will feature award presentations in multiple categories, live performances from the biggest artists in music, surprise guests and collaborations, and will showcase the stories of the winning artists’ road to No.1.

Artists receiving several nominations include Alex Warren, Bad Bunny, Benson Boone, BLACKPINK, Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, Ella Langley, GloRilla, Grupo Frontera, HUNTR/X: EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, Jelly Roll, JENNIE, j-hope, KATSEYE, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Linkin Park, LISA, Mariah the Scientist, MOLIY, Morgan Wallen, Myles Smith, RAYE, ROSÉ, Sabrina Carpenter, Shinedown, sombr, SZA, Tate McRae, Taylor Swift, Twenty One Pilots and Zara Larsson.

In addition to paying tribute to music and artists, the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will again celebrate the fans, giving iHeartRadio listeners the opportunity to decide winners in several new and established categories. Fan voting will determine this year’s Favorite Broadway Debut, Favorite TikTok Dance, Favorite Debut Album, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Favorite On Screen, Favorite Tour Photographer, Favorite Soundtrack, Favorite Tour Style, Favorite Tour Tradition and Favorite K-pop Collab. Social voting will close on March 19 at 11:59 p.m. PT for all categories. Fans can vote by visiting iHeartRadio.com/awards.

Additional categories include Label of the Year and individual winners for Album of the Year in music’s biggest genres, including pop, country, alternative, rock, dance, hip-hop, R&B, Latin and regional Mexican formats.

For a full list of categories, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards.

Executive producers for the iHeartRadio Music Awards are Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jeannaé Rouzan-Clay for Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE); John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Bart Peters for iHeartMedia; and FOX Entertainment Studios.

Proud partners of this year’s event include She Rises Studios, with more to be announced.

Artists and/or events subject to change or cancellation without notice.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to both Podtrac and Triton, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, has the highest-reach and most engaged influencers, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

About FOX Entertainment

With a legacy spanning nearly 40 years, FOX Entertainment is one of the world’s most recognizable media brands and a prolific content producer across its iconic broadcast network and both owned and third-party platforms worldwide. Known for its independent, innovative spirit and provocative, groundbreaking storytelling, the company includes three key business units: FOX Television Network, FOX Entertainment Studios and worldwide content sales and licensing unit FOX Entertainment Global.

While maintaining its leadership in linear television with an exceptional slate of original series – including Doc,Extracted, Memory of a Killer, The Masked Singer,The Floor, The Simpsons, Animal Control, Going Dutch, Murder in a Small Town, Hell’s Kitchen and LEGO Masters – FOX Entertainment is growing its portfolio of studio engines, business operations and library of owned original content.

To date, the FOX Entertainment Studios division includes its in-house unscripted studio with hits The Masked Singer, I Can See Your Voice and Name That Tune, and scripted content studio featuring comedies Animal Control and Going Dutch and signature drama series Best Medicine, The Faithful,The Way Home and The Chicken Sisters. The unit also oversees the award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment with animated comedies including Krapopolis, Grimsburg, Hazbin Hotel and Universal Basic Guys; entertainment platform TMZ with its tentpole primetime series TMZ Investigates; its new independent film label Tideline Entertainment with inaugural releases including First Time Female Director, Ponyboi and Slanted; andthe culinary and lifestyle content venture Studio Ramsay Global in partnership with iconic chef Gordon Ramsay, featuring food-themed original series on FOX such as Next Level Chef, Kitchen Nightmares and Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, as well as the new next-gen global food brand and entertainment platform Bite, No Taste Like Home on Disney+, Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars on Apple+ and a new untitled Gordon Ramsay documentary series on Netflix in early 2026.

As a global content creator and production partner, FOX Entertainment Studios collaborates with studios and platforms worldwide, including Disney, Hulu, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures Television, Prime Video, Netflix, Apple+, Hallmark, Lifetime, TelevisaUnivision, UK’s Channel 4, France’s TF1, German’s ProSieben, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia’s Foxtel and FOX-owned streamer Tubi, among others.

About Jesse Collins Entertainment

Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service Emmy winning production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television's most memorable moments in music entertainment. JCE's award-winning and critically acclaimed television includes programming from its four divisions—specials, sports, scripted and unscripted. From the specials division: award shows—The Emmy Awards, The 2021 and 2022 American Music Awards, The 2022 Golden Globes, BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF's An Evening of Stars and ABFF Honors; specials—Jimmy Fallon's Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey (Primetime Emmy Award nominee), A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, Lil Rel Howery: I said it. Y'all thinking it., CNN's Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom, Martin: The Reunion, John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today, A GRAMMY Salute to the Sounds of Change, Stand Up for Heroes, Dear Mama, Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin', Def Comedy Jam 25, Leslie Jones: Time Machine, The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular and Rip the Runway. From the sports division: Beyoncé Bowl at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans NFL 2024 Christmas Game (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The Super Bowl Halftime Show (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The 95th Major League Baseball All-Star Game Pre-Game Show, The 2025 World Series Game 1 Anthem, NFL Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show starring Jack White and Netflix’s Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party. From the scripted division: scripted series—Real Husbands of Hollywood, American Soul and miniseries—The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story. From the unscripted division: unscripted series – Heart & Hustle: Houston, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, Oh Hell No! With Marlon Wayans, Cardi Tries, My Killer Body with K. Michelle, DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic and Forward: The Future of Black Music, competition series—Hollywood Squares, Rhythm + Flow, Celebrity Squares, Becoming A Popstar, Sunday Best, Hip Hop Squares and Nashville Squares, talk shows – We Got Time Today, Yara Shahidi's Day Off and Face to Face with Becky G, and children's series—Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Daytime Emmy Award winner). Emmy Award winner Jesse Collins is the Founder & CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment and executive producer of all JCE programming. He is also an executive producer for the annual GRAMMY Awards and produced the 2021 Oscars. Emmy winner Dionne Harmon is President. Emmy nominee Jeannae Rouzan-Clay is Senior Vice President of Specials.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260311108858/en/

Contacts:

iHeartMedia
Angel Aristone
angelaristone@iheartmedia.com    
Peyton Webb
peytonwebb@iheartmedia.com

Source: iHeartMedia, Inc.