2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Behind the Scenes: Best Photos

From Miley Cyrus to Taylor Swift, the stars were out at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday (March 26)!

Swift reigned as the night’s biggest winner — taking home seven of her nine nominations, including her third consecutive artist of the year trophy — while making her awards show debut with fiancé Travis Kelce. Everyone wanted to snap a picture with the “Fate of Ophelia” singer in between commercial breaks at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, from new-school female country stars Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson to Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu.

The athlete didn’t miss her opportunity to link up with fellow Oakland native, Grammy-winning R&B singer Kehlani, who delivered her first awards show performance of her Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit “Folded” (No. 6) at the show. Kehlani also made sure to snap a pic with history-making country star Shaboozey, who snagged his own front-row photo with Ludacris, the night’s host.

Luda was honored with the landmark award, one of four non-voting categories at the 2026 ceremony. Other honorees included “Ordinary” singer Alex Warren (breakthrough award) and heartland rock icon John Mellencamp (icon award). Cyrus, who snapped an adorable behind-the-scenes picture with mom Tish, received the innovator award, coinciding with this week’s 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana. Wilson, who once held a job as a Hannah Montana impersonator, presented Cyrus with the award, which has previously been won by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Alicia Keys. After soaking up a rousing, minute-long standing ovation, Cyrus delivered a heartfelt speech dedicated to the fans who made both her and Hannah music and cultural icons.

Sombr, who won best new alternative artist and alternative album of the year (I Barely Know Her), posed for a sweet flick with Bryce Glenn, the photographer who shot the cover for his debut studio album. RAYE, who shared a sweet moment with Swift during her “Where Is My Husband!” performance, also posed for a photo backstage, flashing a dazzling style ahead of the release of her second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope, which dropped right after the awards ceremony concluded in the early morning hours of Friday (March 27).

Take a peek behind the scenes of the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards with Billboard’s photo gallery.