iHeartRadio Music Awards Honors Country Music’s Biggest Stars

From rappers to gold medalists to pop royalty, a plethora of Hollywood’s biggest stars gathered in celebration of modern music on Thursday for the 13th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards. While news about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s appearance made national headlines, wins from superstars like Ella Langley and Morgan Wallen had the country music fandom buzzing.

Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey and Ella Langley, photo by Christopher Polk

While many of the iHeartRadio Music Awards were divvied out based on fan votes, all of the country music categories were decided by performance data from iHeartMedia radio stations. Country music’s biggest players were in attendance, hopeful to score an award in categories including Country Song of the Year, Country Artist of the Year, Best New Country Artist, and Country Album of the Year.

Shaboozey accepted the Country Song of the Year award for his hit, “Good News.” At the same time, breakout artist Ella Langley snagged her first-ever iHeartRadio award for Best New Artist in country music. 

“You know, the thing we’re always trying to do is just get in there and write a good song,” said the “Choosin’ Texas” singer during her acceptance speech. “So, to see what that can do is just wild. Thank you, Jesus, for putting this passion on my heart.”

Knoxville native and previous iHeartRadio Music Award champion Morgan Wallen was nominated in five categories total, taking home trophies for Country Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year for I’m The Problem. The hitmaker was not present in Los Angeles to accept the awards, nor did he address the wins on social media.

Taylor Swift, Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson, photo by Christopher Polk

During the show, country star Lainey Wilson put on a powerful show, pulling out an array of hits from her discography, including “Heart Like a Truck,” and ditching her signature cowboy hat mid-performance. Though the singer didn’t receive any awards, she presented this year’s iHeartRadio Innovator Award to pop superstar Miley Cyrus. The honor served as a full-circle moment for Wilson, who worked as a Hannah Montana impersonator in the early days of her career. While presenting, Lainey delivered a heartfelt speech dedicated to Cyrus.

“Miley reminds us that artistry is not about staying comfortable,” Wilson said. “It is about staying honest. That is what you call innovation, folks. And that is Miley Cyrus.”