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iHeartRadio Music Awards


This year's iHeartRadio Music Awards were on March 5. This music awards show was founded by iHeartRadio in 2014. According to iHeartRadio’s website, iHeartRadio is a “music app that features thousands of the country's best live radio stations and custom artist stations.” The awards show recognizes the most popular artists and music over the past year as determined by the network's listeners. Some of the awards given were Song of the Year, male and female artists of the year, best new artist, and more.

The show was hosted by Ryan Seacrest, and there were a total of eight performers who took the stage on March 5. Katy Perry sang her new single "Chained to the Rhythm." Ed Sheeran sang his popular songs "Shape of You" and then “Castle on the Hill” while The Chainsmokers featured Chris Martin from Coldplay in their performance of "Paris" and "Something Just Like That."

Country singer Thomas Rhett performed "Star of the Show." Shawn Mendes performed "Mercy," and Big Sean sang three songs: "Voices in My Head," "Bounce Back," and "Moves." Noah Cyrus, sister of Miley Cyrus, featured Labrinth in "Make Me (Cry)." And of course, Bruno Mars performed his "Treasure" and "That's What I Like" medley.

While these performances were certainly a highlight, the awards were also greatly anticipated. In total, over 20 awards were handed out. Some of these include:

  1. Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Category ("Work From Home" - Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign)

  2. Best Collaboration: *Socially Voted Category ("Work" - Rihanna featuring Drake)

  3. Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category ("Love Yourself" - Justin Bieber)

  4. Dance Song of the Year ("Closer" - The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey)

  5. Innovator Award (Bruno Mars)

  6. Song of the Year (“Can't Stop The Feeling” - Justin Timberlake)

  7. Female Artist of the Year (Adele)

  8. Male Artist of the Year (Justin Bieber)

  9. Best New Artist (The Chainsmokers)

  10. Best Duo/Group of the Year (21 Pilots)

*Socially Voted Category means the winner of the award was chosen by fans voting via social media

Many of the best moments of the awards show came during the acceptance speeches. Justin Timberlake’s acceptance speech after winning Song of the Year was touching—the artist spoke about inclusion and dedicated his award to children who feel different. Some of his more powerful lines included: “Being different means you make the difference,” and “Anyone that is treating you unkindly, it's only because they are afraid or have been taught to be afraid of how important you are.” After winning the Innovator award, Bruno Mars stated, “Innovator is a very heavy word. ...It's a little ironic for me because I genuinely feel like I'm just getting started. So buckle up. I don't know where we're going yet but we're going. Keep up y'all."

Here are some more interesting facts about this year’s iHeartRadio awards show. Out of the many awards given, Drake and The Chainsmokers had the most nominees. Some of the winners were announced via Snapchat, making social media ever important. Several stars were a part of the crowd and performances, including Demi Lovato, John Legend, Florida Georgia Line, Halsey, and Ansel Elgort.

All in all, this year’s iHeartRadio music awards show were something worth watching, so be sure to watch next year’s.


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