The music industry is starting to heat up ahead of the new awards season, and one of the first big announcements is already getting people talking. The iHeartRadio Music Awards officially revealed the full list of nominees for its 13th edition, raising expectations among fans, artists and entertainment specialists.
The ceremony will take place on March 26, 2026 at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, a venue that has hosted some of the biggest events in entertainment. The gala will be broadcast on Fox, in addition to iHeartRadio stations and app, allowing millions of viewers to follow the awards show in real time.
Taylor Swift leads the nominations
Once again, Taylor Swift is positioned as the big favorite of the night. The singer leads the list of nominees with a total of nine nominations, consolidating her dominance within the contemporary pop scene. This achievement is not new for the artist, who had already led the nominations in previous editions, demonstrating her constant impact on the industry.
Close behind are Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter and Alex Warren, each with eight nominations. The diversity of styles and genres among the featured artists reflects the wide reach of music on digital platforms and radio stations today.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards recognize the most played artists and songs of the year on both radio stations and the platform’s official app. In this edition, Swift will compete in key categories such as Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Pop Artist, Best Lyrics and Best Music Video.
In addition, 2026 marks the debut of a new category: TikTok’s Favorite Dance, which will be voted on by the public. This addition reflects the growing influence of social media on music consumption and the way hits go viral globally.
A high-level competition
The Artist of the Year category promises to be one of the most closely contested of the night. Taylor Swift will face a list of heavyweight industry competitors including Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Benson Boone, Chris Brown, Jelly Roll, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and Tate McRae. Each of these artists has had a banner year in plays, media impact and chart presence.
Also among the nominees are international names such as BLACKPINK, one of the most influential K-pop groups, and established hip hop and pop acts, reinforcing the global nature of the event.
With such a competitive and diverse lineup, the upcoming iHeartRadio Music Awards promises to deliver a night full of excitement, memorable performances and potential surprises. For the artists, these nominations represent direct recognition from the public, as they are based on actual music consumption throughout the year.
As the date approaches, fans are already beginning to express their preferences and expectations on social networks, anticipating a ceremony that will undoubtedly mark one of the highlights of the 2026 music calendar.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
