A star-studded ensemble of music icons lit up the stage of Hollywood’s Dolby Theater Monday night for the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The award show, hosted by Ludacris, featured iconic performances, well-deserved wins and a celebration of cultural icons.
Female musicians dominated the charts and award shows this past year, and it wasn’t any different at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Beyoncé headlined the night with the iHeart Innovator Award in honor of her contributions to pop culture. Taylor Swift collected the most awards last night with five wins and eight nominations, including wins for Artist of the Year and TikTok Bop of the Year.
Cher accepted the iHeartRadio Icon Award from actress and friend Meryl Streep. The award honors Cher’s contributions to the music and entertainment industry over several decades, including a No. 1 Billboard hit for seven decades in a row.
The two icons shared an emotional moment together as Streep congratulated Cher for her achievements and resilience throughout her career.
“I have been down and out so many times, you couldn’t believe it,” Cher said during her speech. “Dropped by record companies—couldn’t get a job. At that time, I went to Las Vegas, where they call it the ‘Elephant’s Graveyard,’ ... and they just said, ‘oh god she’s so over.’ But I never gave up my dream.”
SZA garnered big wins with “Kill Bill” for Song of the Year, R&B Artist of the Year, and R&B Album of the year for “SOS.”
“We didn’t succumb to the pressure of needing to have the perfect writers or the perfect producers,” SZA said. “We just did us and that’s a blessing.”
Claire Emery, a senior majoring in psychology, attributes her love for SZA’s music to the energy and ambiance it brings.
“I just feel like her music is so relaxing to listen to and it’s perfect—like driving down the PCH, windows down, listening to SZA is just so perfect,” Emery said.
The show also featured performances from Justin Timberlake, Green Day, TLC and Latto, Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson, Tate McRae and an explosive rap performance from Ludacris and T-Pain.
Jasmine Williams, a senior at Chapman, attended the event live to see the ensemble of superstar performances.
“I liked seeing performances and appearances from people that are probably never going to ever see again or that I wouldn’t see otherwise,” Williams said. “I would never go see Green Day, but [they were] actually so good.”
As the award show season wraps up, the future looks bright for female musicians. Beyonce’s newest album, Cowboy Carter, is already making history on the charts and Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, is set to release on April 19.
“I feel like women are coming to take over,” Emery said. “In the past year, they’re really making strides, which is how it should be. They’re finally getting a voice and more recognition. They’ve been waiting for a really long time.”
Cher departed with words of wisdom for new artists, seeking to empower the next generation of singers and songwriters staring back at her.
“Have a dream and then don’t give it up, no matter what happens,” Cher said. “I know from my own experience that if you have a dream and that you stick with it, you will have a wonderful life, and it will probably come true.”