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The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards delivered a night of celebration, surprises, and intense competition at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17.
While Taylor Swift dominated the pop categories, it was Tyla and Kendrick Lamar who stole the spotlight in the global and hip-hop scenes, respectively.
South African breakout star Tyla took home the prestigious World Artist of the Year award, beating out some of the biggest names in African and global music, including Burna Boy and Tems.
Her win marked a major milestone in her skyrocketing career, proving that her viral hit Water was just the beginning of her reign on the international stage.
The competition was fierce, with Burna Boy, who has long declared himself Africa’s biggest musical export, also in the running.
Meanwhile, Tems, who has enjoyed global recognition thanks to collaborations with Drake and Future, was expected to be a strong contender. However, it was Tyla who ultimately emerged victorious, solidifying her place as one of Africa’s biggest rising stars.
In the hip-hop world, Kendrick Lamar proved his dominance by winning Hip-Hop Song of the Year with ‘Not Like Us’, a track that became an anthem and a cultural moment in 2024.
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The song, widely seen as a diss directed at Drake, not only topped the charts but also fuelled one of the most talked-about rap feuds in recent history.
The category was packed with heavy hitters, including Drake’s Rich Baby Daddy featuring Sexyy Red and SZA, but Kendrick’s win sent a clear message, lyricism, storytelling, and impact still reign supreme in hip-hop.
His victory over Drake was particularly symbolic, given their ongoing beef that has divided fans and sparked intense debates about the state of rap.
Adding to his big night, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show in February had already cemented his status as one of the greatest performers of his generation.
His set was a masterclass in stage presence, storytelling, and cultural commentary.
The performance generated millions of social media reactions, with fans praising his ability to captivate audiences with raw talent and unmatched artistry.
Many hip-hop fans saw Kendrick’s Super Bowl dominance as a response to his rivalry with Drake, with some speculating that elements of his performance contained subtle shots at his Canadian counterpart.
Hip-Hop CategoriesHip-Hop Song of the Year: "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar (WINNER)Nominees:"Like That" – Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar"Lovin On Me" – Jack Harlow"Rich Baby Daddy" – Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA"TGIF" – GloRillaHip-Hop Artist of the Year: GloRilla (WINNER)Hip-Hop Album of the Year: "We Don't Trust You" – Future & Metro Boomin (WINNER)Best New Artist (Hip-Hop): BossMan Dlow (WINNER)R&B CategoriesR&B Song of the Year: "Made For Me" – Muni Long (WINNER)R&B Artist of the Year: SZA (WINNER)R&B Album of the Year: "Coming Home" – Usher (WINNER)Best New Artist (R&B): 4Batz (WINNER)World Music CategoriesWorld Artist of the Year: Tyla (WINNER)Nominees:Burna BoyCentral CeeTemsYG Marley
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