The iHeartRadio Music Awards, an annual barometer of what people are actually listening to across radio, streaming and the internet, has never been the loudest night on the calendar, but it’s certainly not to be overlooked.
Returning to Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on Thursday, March 26 (Friday morning AEDT), this year’s ceremony leans into its under-the-radar status, offering something more intimate than its arena-scale counterparts without compromising on star power.
Now in its 13th year and hosted by Ludacris, the awards celebrate the artists and songs most played across iHeartRadio’s stations and app throughout 2025. Its appeal is largely fan-driven, with voting open from January through March and listeners directly shaping the outcome. Think Triple J’s Hottest 100, only with a more polished, Hollywood slant.
Leading the charge is Taylor Swift, who returns to the awards circuit with nine nominations and one of her first public appearances of 2026, following the success of her latest showgirl era.
The line-up follows suit. Performances from Alex Warren, Kehlani and RAYE sit alongside appearances from Shaboozey and Miley Cyrus, who will receive the Innovator Award.
If anything, the night feels like a distilled version of the industry, less spectacle than the Grammy Awards but no less relevant. And, as always, the red carpet delivers its own share of standout fashion moments.
The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will be airing live from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26th, which translates to around 11:00 AM AEDT on Friday, March 27 in Australia. Here’s how the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards start times break down across each state and territory:
| Location | Time | Timezone |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart | 11:00 AM (Fri, March 27) | AEDT |
| Brisbane | 10:00 AM (Fri, March 27) | AEST |
| Adelaide | 10:30 AM (Fri, March 27) | ACDT |
| Perth | 8:00 AM (Fri, March 27) | AWST |
| Darwin | 9:30 AM (Fri, March 27) | ACST |
For those watching from Australia, the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards are best streamed live via the iHeartRadio app or website, both of which will carry the broadcast in real time.
If you miss the live stream, highlights are expected to roll out across the KIIS network and on social, where the night’s key performances, wins and red carpet moments tend to circulate quickly.
Returning to host after fronting the ceremony in 2024, Ludacris will once again take the stage, this time also performing and receiving the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award.
“I’m excited to return as host of the iHeartRadio Music Awards to celebrate and perform alongside some of the best in the industry,” he said in a statement. “It’s going to be a night with special performances and surprise moments fans are going to love.”
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