Top Best & Worst Moments from the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards: A Look at the Most Memorable Oops!

Highlights from the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards delivered a night of memorable moments, from captivating performances to surprising award presentations. The show celebrated established icons and emerging talents, offering a blend of nostalgia and innovation.

Billie Eilish and Finneas Set the Stage

The brother-sister duo, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’connell, opened the awards show with a performance of “Wildflower” from Eilish’s new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. Eilish’s “soaring vocals” showcased her talent, setting the tone for her Album of the Year win later in the evening. The performance was praised for its intimacy and artistic depth, captivating the audience from the start.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’connell performing at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. (Credit: Getty Images)

Nelly‘s Landmark Award Interrupted

Nelly delivered a medley of his classic hits, including “Hot in Herre” and “Ride Wit Me,” electrifying the crowd.Ashanti, his wife and fellow R&B artist, presented him with the landmark Award. However, the broadcast cut to a commercial break “right when Nelly seemed to begin his speech,” leaving viewers surprised and prompting questions about the abrupt transition. This unusual occurrence made him “the only award recipient during the live show to not receive talking time.”

Lady Gaga and Doechii: A generational Bridge

Doechii, a rising star, honored Lady Gaga, the Innovator Award recipient, for her impact on self-expression. Doechii said that “As a kid that identified as an artist, as queer and as a little monster, Lady Gaga wasn’t just a pop star. She was a lifeline. Gaga taught us that it was okay to be our real selves, to try new things, to try anything, to speak out and to create.” She added, “Gaga was, and always is new, fresh and different.and not only is that okay, but it’s ideal.” Gaga, acknowledging Doechii’s talent, called her “an innovator already.” This exchange highlighted the passing of the torch from one generation to the next, sparking anticipation for potential collaborations.

Lady Gaga and Doechii at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. (Credit: Getty Images)

Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams: A Gen Z Reunion

Billie Eilish and gracie Abrams, two prominent figures in Gen Z’s pop scene, shared a sweet moment onstage. Eilish presented Abrams with the Breakthrough Artist Award, celebrating Abrams’ rising success and impact on the music industry.

Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. (Credit: Getty Images)

Benson Boone’s Viral Moment

When Benson Boone won song of the year for “Beautiful Things,” he reacted with a memorable expression. Boone “slowly removed his shades to reveal an over-the-top shocked expression,” creating a viral moment and further cementing the lighthearted nature of the award show.

The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards honored impactful artists and celebrated the ever-evolving landscape of music. From Billie Eilish’s captivating opening to Lady Gaga’s recognition of future innovators,the night was filled with unforgettable moments. Share your favorite highlight from the awards in the comments below!

Which moment from the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards resonated most wiht you, and why?

Inside the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards: A Night of Music and Moments

we sat down with music industry analyst, Evelyn Reed, too discuss the highlights and key takeaways from the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Evelyn has been covering music trends for over a decade and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Evelyn Reed on the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Archyde: evelyn, thanks for joining us.The 2025 iHeartRadio Music awards seemed to have a lot of buzz.what were your initial impressions?

Evelyn Reed: It was a fantastic show! The producers really struck a great balance between celebrating established artists and showcasing the next generation. Ther were some genuinely memorable moments.

Archyde: Billie Eilish and Finneas opened the show with “Wildflower.” How did that performance set the tone for the evening?

Evelyn Reed: That was a brilliant choice. “Wildflower” is such an intimate and powerful song, and Billie’s live performance, accompanied by Finneas, really captivated the audience. It was a strong artistic statement and signaled that this wasn’t just going to be another generic awards show. It also foreshadowed her eventual Album of the Year win.

Archyde: nelly received the Landmark Award, but there was a strange interruption during his speech. What’s your take on that?

Evelyn Reed: That was definitely the most talked-about awkward moment of the night! For the broadcast to cut to commercial right as he was starting his speech was unusual, to say the least. It left a lot of people wondering what happened behind the scenes. Nelly deserved his time to speak after such a big achievement.

Lady Gaga,Doechii,and Generational Innovation

Archyde: Doechii presented Lady Gaga with the Innovator Award. It felt like a real passing of the torch moment. What did you think?

Evelyn Reed: Absolutely. Doechii’s words about Gaga being a “lifeline” for young, queer artists were incredibly moving. And for Gaga to acknowledge Doechii as an innovator already? That was powerful. It signals a real respect for each other’s artistry and opens the door for potential future collaborations that could be groundbreaking.

Archyde: Speaking of new generations, Billie Eilish also presented Gracie Abrams with the Breakthrough Artist Award.How meaningful is that moment in the context of Gen Z’s pop scene?

Evelyn Reed: Vrey significant. Billie and Gracie are both huge figures for that generation, and to see them supporting each other sends a great message. It shows a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect within the Gen Z pop landscape.

Archyde: Benson Boone’s reaction to winning Song of the Year went viral. Does social media play an increasing role in shaping moments at award shows?

Evelyn Reed: without a doubt! Benson Boone’s over-the-top shock was instantly meme-worthy.These kinds of viral moments amplify the reach of the awards show far beyond the initial broadcast audience. Its almost as if artists are performing for the internet as much as for the live audience these days.

Looking ahead: The Future of Music and Award Shows

Archyde: what’s your biggest takeaway from the 2025 iHeartRadio Music awards, and what do you think it says about the current state of the music industry?

Evelyn Reed: My biggest takeaway is the industry’s increasing emphasis on authenticity and connection. We see it in Billie and Finneas’s intimate performance, in Doechii’s heartfelt tribute to Gaga, and even in Benson Boone’s meme-able surprise. The audience is craving genuine moments and artists who aren’t afraid to be themselves.

archyde: a thought-provoking question for our readers: Which moment from the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards resonated most with you, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!