Keeping up with every memorable moment from the past iHeartRadio Music Awards is hard! That’s why we’ve made it easier for you to remember these stunning performances, incredible wins, and special moments with this list.
Chance The Rapper Wins Innovator Award
In 2018, Chance The Rapper was awarded the Innovator Award which recognizes his success as a streaming-only artist and his many charitable contributions. “I didn’t invent independence in any way. I didn’t innovate this idea,” the rapper said in his acceptance speech. “I’m following behind a lot of people… thank you to all the artists before me and after me. This is for you guys.”
Cardi B Takes Over
Cardi B was the most talked about artist of the night! In 2018, she opened the iHeartRadio Music Awards with a medley of her biggest hits: “Bartier Cardi,” “Bodak Yellow,” “No Limit” with G-Eazy, Migos’ “Motor Sport,” and Bruno Mars’ “Finesse” remix. She won trophies for Best New Artist and Best New Hip-Hop Artist, in which she was the only female nominee in both categories. Plus, it’s hard to forget how she also took a moment to thank her haters. “They be downloading my stuff to talk crap about me but it benefits me!” she said while laughing.
Eminem and Kehlani Rap About Gun Violence
During Eminem and Kehlani’s performance of “Nowhere Fast” in 2018, Eminem addressed gun violence by adding in a new verse that slammed the NRA. “This whole country is going nuts/ And the NRA is in our way/ They’re responsible for this whole production/ They hold the strings, they control the puppet,” Eminem said in the new lyrics.
Taylor Swift Debuted “Delicate” Music Video
Although Taylor Swift wasn’t there herself to accept the award for Artist of the Year in 2018, she premiered the music video for “Delicate” that threw everyone into a frenzy. The video currently has over 340million views on Youtube and was the most anticipated music video during this time.
Noah Cyrus Debut Awards Performance + Miley Cyrus Introduction
#SisterGoals as Noah Cyrus’ older sibling Miley excitedly introduced her sporting an “I Heart Noah” shirt and poster in 2017. With an emotional performance of “Make Me Cry” featuring Labrinth, this was Noah’s first award show performance and we couldn’t get over how adorable this sister moment was!
Coldplay’s Adorable Acceptance Speech
Coldplay also had an adorable moment in iHeartRadio awards history. Frontman Chris Martin accepted the Best Tour award alongside three of Katy Perry’s young dancers. The funny speech poked fun at the band’s age and their adorableness in comparison to One Direction.
Justin Timberlake Acceptance Speech
After winning the Innovator Award in 2015, Justin Timberlake returned to win Song of the Year with “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” in 2017. Timberlake gave a funny speech that closed with a heartfelt message to fans dealing with any kind of haters. “Anyone that is treating you unkindly and it’s only because they are afraid or they were taught to be afraid of how important you are,” he said. “Because being different means you make the difference, so f— ’em.”
Demi Lovato & Brad Paisley Performance of “Stone Cold”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRpoCNaYke4
Demi Lovato stunned the iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2016 with an incredible performance of “Stone Cold” with Brad Paisley on the guitar. It’s no surprise this power ballad became the night’s most vocally astounding performance!
Madonna & Taylor Swift’s “Ghosttown” Collab
Back in 2015, Madonna released her album Rebel Heart and was set to perform the song “Ghosttown” at the award show. Surprisingly, Taylor Swift showed up out of nowhere to join the pop legend on stage with just her acoustic guitar. It’s such a memorable moment.
Rihanna’s Helicopter Surprise
Rihanna’s visual performance will go down in history with the helicopter she brought on stage in 2015! Badgalriri bought this helicopter, dressed in a killer green fur and matching thigh-high boots, to sing “B*tch Better Have My Money.” Classic.
Pharrell’s “Happy” Performance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LySxNhUWxI
At the very first iHeartRadio Music Awards show in 2014, Pharrell Williams received the Innovator Award. It was only fitting that his performance would be “Happy,” which he included in a medley including “Come Get It Bae,” his Daft Punk collab “Get Lucky,” and his Robin Thicke collab “Blurred Lines.” With all the colors flying across the stage and backup dancers energetically dancing, it was hard not to feel anything but happy!
Stay tuned for the sixth annual iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday, March 14 where Alicia Keys, Garth Brooks, and Halsey will be honored as well as performances from Post Malone, Cardi B, Drake, Ariana Grande, and many more. You definitely won’t want to miss this show!
