Vin Diesel experienced a bit of a mishap on live TV during the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Fortunately for the actor, Taylor Swift was at the event and ended up helping him out.
GettyThe moment happened when the 58-year-old celeb took the stage to present the Landmark Award to his longtime “Fast & Furious” co-star Ludacris.
Getty“At the awards show, which took place on Thursday, March 26, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the rapper and actor (whose real name is Christopher Bridges) received the Landmark Award, which recognizes artists whose work has impacted culture for decades,” according to People.
While the occasion was surely special for both Vin and Ludacris, it didn’t exactly get off to the smoothest start.
Vin Diesel Had Unexpected Teleprompter Troubles
Looking as slick as ever in a white ensemble and dark sunglasses, Vin stepped onto the stage to honor his friend, Ludacris. Granted, when he went to speak, he couldn’t locate the teleprompter he needed to see his speech.
“After barking at the crowd,” according to Just Jared, Vin told the audience, “I literally can’t see the teleprompter. Where is it?! There? It’s over there? It’s in the middle!”
Just Jared adds that Taylor was in the front row and could be seen “pointing over her head to where the teleprompter was located. Vin noticed and thanked her!”
After Vin figured out where the teleprompter was, People notes that he “leaned in for a closer look at the words, joking that he was ‘crushing it.'”
Other 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards Memorable Moments
Vin’s temporary teleprompter difficulty wasn’t the only memorable moment during the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
“As with every awards show, there are memorable highs — inspiring, tear-jerking acceptance speeches and thrilling performances — but also a few misses and mistakes,” per People. “Among the highlights of the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Taylor Swift, who took home seven trophies, made her awards show debut with her fiancé Travis Kelce, with whom she danced and kissed all night.”
“Meanwhile, Alex Warren won Breakthrough Artist of the Year after a dynamic performance of his new single ‘FEVER DREAM,’ but at the end of the show, he was unable to give his acceptance speech for Song of the Year on air due to time constraints,” People also points out.
GettyPeople also noted a truly touching moment: “Presenting her father John Mellencamp with the Icon Award, Teddi Mellencamp gave the most emotional speech of the night.” The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum, who was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, talked about her dad, saying, “He stepped up, took control, fought for me and pretty much changed my life. Saved my life.”
GettyThat’s not to mention the fact that Miley Cyrus accepted the Innovator Award, TLC was joined by En Vogue and Salt-N-Pepa for a performance and Raye offered an amazing delivery of her hit song “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND?”
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