Taylor Swift makes touching dedication to fiancé Travis Kelce as she earns an astonishing SEVEN wins at 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards
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Taylor Swift gave a touching shout out to her fiancé Travis Kelce as she earned seven wins at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday.
The 36-year-old Grammy winner - who made her awards show debut with the NFL player at the ceremony - accepted the award for Pop Album of the Year for her 2025 LP The Life of a Showgirl during the big night.
The singer's latest appearance with Kelce comes as the couple are reportedly set to say 'I do' just months later in June.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrate the year's most-streamed hits and artists across the iHeartRadio app and the network’s vast radio stations, with winners chosen based on chart performance and fan voting in select categories.
Upon taking to the stage after Raye presented the award, the Love Story songstress reflected on her most recent album which had an 'energy of just feeling really happy and strong and confident and free.'
Swift added, 'And I think that this album probably also feels very happy and confident and free because that's the way that I get to feel every single day of my life. Because of my fiance, who's here tonight. So thank you, thanks for all the vibes,' the star gushed as the crowd erupted into cheers.
Taylor Swift, 36, gave a touching shout out to her fiancé Travis Kelce as she earned seven wins at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday
The singer's latest appearance with Kelce comes as the couple are reportedly set to say 'I do' just months later in June
The camera cut to the Kansas City Chiefs tight end applauding the songstress with a proud smile on his face.
Elsewhere in her speech, Swift expressed that The Life Of A Showgirl was 'inspired by the energy that I felt, like, looking into crowds and seeing you guys and connecting with you every single night.'
She also sent gratitude to Swifties for making her song The Fate Of Ophelia 'the biggest hit of my career, which is crazy at this point.
'I just love my fans so much for giving me the ability to do this. I love what I do. I love that you've allowed me to do it for this long, and I just appreciate every day I get to do it. Thank you so much.'
Later in the evening, Olympic gold medalist and U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu presented the award for Artist of the Year to Swift.
'And now presenting this next icon with the award for Artist of the Year is an incredibly huge honor for me,' Liu shared to the audience.
'With 34 iHeartRadio Music Awards - the most in history - she is the goat of music.'
Liu then revealed that along with Pop Album of the Year and Artist of the Year, the singer also won Album of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, Favorite Tour Style (Eras Tour), Best Lyrics and Best Music Video for The Fate Of Ophelia.
'Because of my fiance, who's here tonight. So thank you, thanks for all the vibes,' the star gushed as the crowd erupted into cheers
The lovebirds shared a kiss before Swift stepped onto the stage to give a speech to the cheering audience
Elsewhere in her speech, Swift expressed that The Life Of A Showgirl was 'inspired by the energy that I felt, like, looking into crowds and seeing you guys and connecting with you every single night'
Later in the evening, Olympic gold medalist and U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu presented the award for Artist of the Year to Swift
Liu then revealed that along with Pop Album of the Year and Artist of the Year, the singer also won Album of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, Favorite Tour Style (Eras Tour), Best Lyrics and Best Music Video for The Fate Of Ophelia
The star kicked off her speech to accept Artist of the Year to say that she was 'inspired' by Liu for her 'work and effort and, and love you have for what you do.'
Swift explained that she loves being an artist and her passion is in writing songs.
'I love writing songs more than anything in the world. And it, I didn't think I was an artist when I first started doing it. It was a hobby. And then it was my favorite hobby.'
She encouraged others to 'nurture' their dreams.
'I'm a firm believer that anything you feed your mind, it will internalize anything. Anything you feed the internet, it will attempt to kill. And I don't want that for your dreams.'
The performer added, 'So, just thank you for allowing me to turn my hobby into a love, into a passion, into a dream, into a career.
'Thank you for allowing me to have it this long, and I wish you the best with everything you do.'
Earlier in the evening, Swift walked the red carpet solo - but she reunited with Kelce inside the Dolby Theatre shortly before the festivities kicked off.
The star kicked off her speech to accept Artist of the Year to say that she was 'inspired' by Liu for her 'work and effort and, and love you have for what you do'
The performer added, 'So, just thank you for allowing me to turn my hobby into a love, into a passion, into a dream, into a career'
Earlier in the evening, Swift walked the red carpet solo - but she reunited with Kelce inside the Dolby Theatre shortly before the festivities kicked off
The couple shared sweet moments as they made their awards show debut in Los Angeles on Thursday
Miley Cyrus was another music artist that was honored at the event and accepted the Innovator Award.
As she addressed the crowd, the former Disney channel star recognized the 20th anniversary of her series Hannah Montana.
'This week celebrating 20 years of Hannah Montana has been a dream come true. My double denim and gold scarf thank you, because they've been waiting over a decade to leave the house.'
Cyrus further stated that the series - which came to an end in 2011 - had 'inspired' her during her career in the industry.
'I fell in love with the idea that you can create a persona that gives you the confidence and the courage to perform authentically and that sometimes the fake you can actually reveal the real you,' she continued.
The performer explained that she has 'always written songs and told stories because I love it.
'And winning awards for that work is of course rewarding, but it's not my compass, because if it was, I'm sure I'd end up very lost.'
Cyrus told viewers and the audience, 'When the win isn't recognition, but making art that reaches the hearts of people I may never meet, it brings me a kind of joy that is deeply meaningful.
Miley Cyrus was another music artist that was honored at the event and accepted the Innovator Award
'And winning awards for that work is of course rewarding, but it's not my compass, because if it was, I'm sure I'd end up very lost,' she added
'Younger me is so honored to share this moment with you. I'm proud to stand here and tell you how much you mean to me,' Cyrus said
'Younger me is so honored to share this moment with you. I'm proud to stand here and tell you how much you mean to me.'
She concluded her speech by saying, 'This really is the life,' which appeared to be a reference to the song This Is The Life from Hannah Montana.
John Mellencamp received the Icon Award at the ceremony - and the honor was presented by his daughter Teddi Mellencamp.
'He's being honored as an icon, a legend, a hitmaker. But to me, he'll always be dad,' she said.
The star - who has been vocal about her cancer battle - brought up lyrics from his track Longest Days.
'Sometimes you get sick and you don't get better. He wasn't going to let that lyric define my life,' she emotionally expressed.
'He stepped up, took control, fought for me, and pretty much changed my life. Saved my life.'
The crowd erupted into applause as the camera panned to her father and she added, 'We're celebrating the icon, the artist. A man the whole world knows as John Mellencamp. A man I get to call dad and my best friend.'
John Mellencamp received the Icon Award at the ceremony - and the honor was presented by his daughter Teddi Mellencamp
'Sometimes you get sick and you don't get better. He wasn't going to let that lyric define my life,' she emotionally expressed
The crowd erupted into applause as the camera panned to her father and she added, 'We're celebrating the icon, the artist. A man the whole world knows as John Mellencamp. A man I get to call dad and my best friend'
Mellencamp then also took to the stage to perform his songs Jack & Diane as well as Pink Houses
Mellencamp then also took to the stage to perform his songs Jack & Diane as well as Pink Houses.
Alex Warren was another artist to win during the awards show - such as Breakthrough Artist of the Year. He gained recognition for his 2025 track Ordinary.
'To think I was in the crowd right over there about three years ago as a band watching this and now performing and standing on the stage is a strange feeling,' he reflected in his speech.
As he talked to the audience, the singer encouraged others to follow their passions and dreams.
'I hope that if there's anyone at home watching this right now that feels like they're not good enough or that no one believes in them, I do. Truly, I do. You're going to be something amazing.'
He also gave a shout out to his wife Kouvr Annon and gushed, 'Thanks to my amazing wife who I still would be homeless if it wasn't for you.'
The star continued, 'You make me strive to be a better man every single day, and no matter how many lyrics, there will never be a song long enough to tell you exactly how much I feel about you.'
Warren then also dedicated the honor to his late parents and God.
Alex Warren was another artist to win during the awards show - such as Breakthrough Artist of the Year. He gained recognition for his 2025 track Ordinary
'I hope that if there's anyone at home watching this right now that feels like they're not good enough or that no one believes in them, I do. Truly, I do. You're going to be something amazing,' he added
He also gave a shout out to his wife Kouvr Annon and gushed, 'Thanks to my amazing wife who I still would be homeless if it wasn't for you'
Warren also won Song of the Year for Ordinary, Best New Pop Artist and Favorite Debut Album
'And lastly to God and my parents. Truly, I know you're watching down - proud of the man I became.
'I wake up every day hoping I sing a lyric loud enough for you to hear it. And I love you so, so much and thank you so much. You are the reason I am the man I have become, who I am.'
Warren also won Song of the Year for Ordinary, Best New Pop Artist and Favorite Debut Album.
Ludacris - who took on hosting duties at the event - was also honored with the Landmark Award.
'This particular award is one of those things where I work hard, but I absolutely don't do it myself,' the rapper said.
Ludacris sent gratitude to 'all the people behind the scenes' such as songwriters, producers, label executives, mixing engineers and extras.
He also teased fans that new music is in the works and expressed, 'I thank y'all for 25 years. I'm coming back with new music. I love you.'
Towards the end of the ceremony, he performed a medley of hits such as Move B***h, My Chick Bad and Rollout (My Business).
Ludacris - who took on hosting duties at the event - was also honored with the Landmark Award
'This particular award is one of those things where I work hard, but I absolutely don't do it myself,' the rapper said
Towards the end of the ceremony, he performed a medley of hits such as Move B***h, My Chick Bad and Rollout (My Business)
Pop Artist of the Year went to Sabrina Carpenter - although the Espresso hitmaker was not in attendance; seen in February in L.A.
Pop Artist of the Year went to Sabrina Carpenter - although the Espresso hitmaker was not in attendance.
Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X won the award for Duo/Group of the Year. The trio gained recognition for the track Golden from KPop Demon Hunters.
Country Song of the Year went to Shaboozey for his track titled Good News.
Morgan Wallen won for both Country Album of the Year and Country Artist of the Year.
The honor for Best New Country Artist went to Ella Langley.
'I was sitting in between Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus for a lot of that tonight, so I'm a little lost for words,' she told the crowd while accepting the award.
'You know, the thing we're always trying to do is just get in there and write a good song. So to see what that can do is just wild. Thank you, Jesus, for putting this passion in my heart.'
Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X won the award for Duo/Group of the Year. The trio gained recognition for the track Golden from KPop Demon Hunters; seen in February in London
'I was sitting in between Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus for a lot of that tonight, so I'm a little lost for words,' Langley told the crowd while accepting the award
Country Song of the Year went to Shaboozey for his track titled Good News
Kendrick Lamar won Hip-Hop Album of the Year as well as Hip-Hop Artist of the Year and Hip-Hop Song of the Year; seen in February in L.A.
She also sent gratitude to her team and family before concluding, 'This is just a dream come true. Thank you iHeart. Thank you all.'
Kendrick Lamar won Hip-Hop Album of the Year as well as Hip-Hop Artist of the Year and Hip-Hop Song of the Year.
R&B Song of the Year went to Kehlani for her track Folded.
Rock Artist of the Year went to Shinedown while Dance Artist of the Year was given to David Guetta.
