The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards air tonight, and this year’s show is shaping up to be one of the biggest nights in music. The 13th annual ceremony airs live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26, hosted by Ludacris, according to American Songwriter.
What & Where to Watch
HGTV/GettyFOX will broadcast this year’s ceremony live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26, from 8 to 10 p.m. ET . West Coast viewers will see a tape-delayed version of the show, according to Channel 93.3.
Viewers without cable still have several options.
It will stream live on Hulu, Youtube TV, DirecTV Stream, and FuboTV, according to American Songwriter. Listeners can also tune in on iHeartRadio stations nationwide or through the free iHeartRadio app.
Red carpet coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. ET on the iHeartRadio YouTube channel, leading into the main broadcast at 8 p.m. ET.
Who is Performing
According to American Songwriter, the performance lineup includes Alex Warren, John Mellencamp, Kehlani, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, and RAYE. TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue will also perform together for the first time.
Taylor Swift to Appear
GettyTaylor Swift is set to make a special in-person appearance at the show. This will be her first awards show appearance of 2026. As reported by Yahoo!, Swift leads all nominees with nine nods, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia.”
Fans are already buzzing about the appearance.
The show also marks the 13th year of the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Swift’s lucky number, which has sparked speculation about a possible surprise.
Special Honors
Several artists will take home non-competitive awards tonight.
American Songwriter reports that Miley Cyrus will receive the iHeartRadio Innovator Award, and Ludacris receives the iHeartRadio Landmark Award. John Mellencamp will receive the iHeartRadio Icon Award, while Alex Warren earns the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award.
Biggest Moments to Watch
GettyThis year’s show will feature several standout moments beyond the performances and awards. In addition to major wins, fans will be watching closely for surprise collaborations, unexpected appearances, and potential announcements from top artists.
Taylor Swift is set to appear, and multiple high-profile performers will also take the stage. Fans expect at least one viral moment. Live award shows have increasingly become a place for surprise reveals, and the 2026 ceremony could deliver one of the biggest yet.
Top Nominees to Watch
According to Fubo, several artists are nominated for Artist of the Year. Nominees include Bad Bunny, Benson Boone, Chris Brown, Jelly Roll, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Taylor Swift. The Song of the Year nominees are led by Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody,” Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” and Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia.”
