The 12th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards, taking place on March 17, will celebrate the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2024, while also offering a preview of the upcoming hits of 2025. Leading the nominations this year are Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift with Swift's "Era's Tour" being recognized as "Tour of the Century."

Additionally, the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award will be presented to Mother Monster herself, Lady Gaga. Few artists in modern history have taken creative risks with the level of success of Gaga. One of the best-selling musicians of all time, she is the true definition of a modern day artist innovator. Gaga has created music that topped the charts for years at multiple formats, while architecting groundbreaking tours and delivering powerful and versatile performances in film and TV. Beyond creating music and performances that have inspired the world, Lady Gaga is an outspoken activist, philanthropist and supporter of many important issues including mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS awareness and body image issues. In 2012, she launched Born This Way Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth, embracing differences, and inspiring kindness and bravery.

Mariah Carey will also be honored with the 2025 iHeartRadio Icon Award, celebrating her incredible and influential career as singer, songwriter, and producer, who has broken virtually every chart and touring record around the globe. Carey is one of the best-selling artists of all time with over 200 million records sold worldwide and 19 #1 singles. Beyond all the accolades, Carey has always been a fiercely independent artist who set the bar for female stars today. Her 5-octave range and iconic whistle register are still a reference point for every vocalist who has followed in her footsteps. 2025 also marks the 20th anniversary of her album The Emancipation of Mimi, that left an indelible mark on the music landscape and inspired countless of artists following its release.

This year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards will also pay tribute to the resiliency and rebuilding of Los Angeles following the devastating wildfires affecting the entire community and will drive donations to FireAidLA.org. Contributions made to FireAid will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation, for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters. The Annenberg Foundation, with decades of philanthropic leadership in the community, including rapid response, will help coordinate a team to direct funds for the greatest impact.

Sunday Journal with Hal Clark