Ludacris Honored with Landmark Award at 2026 iHeartRadio Awards

The rapper and actor also hosted the awards show, which aired live on FOX from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:49am

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Ludacris, whose real name is Christopher Bridges, received the Landmark Award at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, which recognized his decades-long impact on music and culture. During his acceptance speech, Ludacris thanked the many behind-the-scenes contributors to his success and teased that he has new music on the way. Ludacris also hosted the awards show, which took place on March 26 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Ludacris is one of the most influential artists of the early 2000s, with a string of multi-platinum albums and three Grammy Awards. The Landmark Award highlights his lasting impact on the music industry and pop culture over the past 25 years. As both a host and honoree, Ludacris' presence at the iHeartRadio Music Awards underscores his continued relevance in the music world.

The details

Ludacris received the Landmark Award from his Fast & Furious co-star Vin Diesel. In his acceptance speech, Ludacris thanked a wide range of behind-the-scenes contributors to his success, including mixing engineers, songwriters, producers, label executives, DJs, stylists, and more. He also teased that he has new music on the way, telling the audience, "I'm coming back with new music." Ludacris' last album, Ludaversal, was released in 2015.

  • The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • Ludacris' last album, Ludaversal, was released in 2015.

The players

Ludacris

An American rapper and actor whose real name is Christopher Bridges. He is known for hit albums like Back for the First Time, Word of Mouf, and The Red Light District, and has won three Grammy Awards over his decades-long career.

Vin Diesel

An American actor who co-stars with Ludacris in the Fast & Furious franchise. Diesel presented Ludacris with the Landmark Award at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

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What they’re saying

“This particular award is one of those things where I work hard, but I absolutely don't do it myself.”

— Ludacris

“I thank y'all for 25 years. I'm coming back with new music. I love you.”

— Ludacris

What’s next

Ludacris is expected to release new music in the coming months, following up on his last album Ludaversal which came out in 2015.

The takeaway

Ludacris' Landmark Award at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards underscores his lasting impact on the music industry and pop culture over the past 25 years. As both a celebrated artist and a gracious host, Ludacris continues to demonstrate his versatility and commitment to uplifting the many contributors behind his success.