iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026 Lineup Revealed: Ludacris to Host, Miley Cyrus to Receive Honor

Lainey Wilson, RAYE, and a collaboration of TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue also set to perform

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:34pm

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The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will feature a star-studded lineup, with Ludacris returning as host and set to receive the Landmark Award. Miley Cyrus will be honored with the Innovator Award, while Lainey Wilson, RAYE, and a collaboration of TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue are among the performers scheduled for the event.

Why it matters

The iHeartRadio Music Awards is one of the music industry's biggest annual events, recognizing the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the company's app. The 2026 edition promises to be a night of special performances and surprise moments that will excite fans.

The details

Ludacris, 48, will not only host the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards but also perform and receive the Landmark Award, which recognizes his decades-long career in music. Miley Cyrus, 33, will be honored with the Innovator Award, celebrating her impact on music and global culture as she marks the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana. Other performers include rising star Lainey Wilson, 33, RAYE, and a first-time collaboration of veteran groups TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue.

  • The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air live on FOX from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26.
  • Nominations for this year's iHeartRadio Music Awards were led by Taylor Swift with nine nods, followed by Alex Warren, Sabrina Carpenter and Bad Bunny with eight each.
  • Voting for some categories is open to fans on the iHeartRadio website through March 19.

The players

Ludacris

A 48-year-old rapper who will return as host of the iHeartRadio Music Awards, perform, and receive the Landmark Award.

Miley Cyrus

A 33-year-old singer who will receive the iHeartRadio Innovator Award, honoring her impact on music and global culture as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana.

Lainey Wilson

A 33-year-old country music singer who is among the performers scheduled for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Alex Warren

The recipient of the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award, after dominating the charts with his No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit "Ordinary" last year.

TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue

Veteran music groups who will perform together for the first time at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to return as host of the iHeartRadio Music Awards to celebrate and perform alongside some of the best in the industry. It's going to be a night with special performances and surprise moments fans are going to love.”

— Ludacris

What’s next

Voting for some fan-voted categories on the iHeartRadio website will remain open through March 19, leading up to the live broadcast of the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 26.

The takeaway

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards promises to be a must-watch event, bringing together some of the biggest names in music for a night of memorable performances, special honors, and surprise collaborations that will excite fans.