THE most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2020 were celebrated and honored during Thursday night’s iHeartRadio Music Awards.

The winners were announced during Thursday’s ceremony that aired from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, with Usher serving as host. There was an in-person audience of nominees and fans. Those in attendance were wearing masks. “It’s been a crazy year but we’re going to get this right,” Usher said in his opening statements, as he also celebrated that “live music is back.”

Going into the ceremony, The Weeknd led with eight nominations, followed by Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch with seven each and Harry Styles with six.

Other artists who received multiple nominations include 24kGoldn, AC/DC, AJR, All Time Low, Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Blackbear, Blackpink, Blake Shelton, BTS, Calibre 50, Cardi B, Charlie Puth, Chris Brown, Christian Nodal, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Drake, Dua Lipa, Future, Gabby Barrett, H.E.R., J Balvin, Jhené Aiko, JP Saxe, Justin Bieber, Karol G, Lady Gaga, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Maluma, Maren Morris, Ozuna, Ozzy Osbourne, Pop Smoke, Post Malone, Shawn Mendes, Snoh Aalegra, Summer Walker, Surf Mesa, Taylor Swift, The Pretty Reckless, Twenty One Pilots and Young Thug.

The Weeknd kicked off the show with Ariana Grande joining him for a remix of his single “Save Your Tears.” Later on, The Weeknd took home the award for male artist of the year and song of the year for “Blinding Lights.” Meanwhile, Dua Lipa also took home a top honor, winning female artist of the year. Megan Thee Stallion took home the first award of the night for best collaboration with Beyoncé for the remix version of “Savage.”

Though not in attendance, Taylor Swift filmed an acceptance speech after securing the win for pop album of the year for “Folklore.” Swift acknowledged that the album came out amid a time when “we all needed to escape into stories,” and thanked fans for choosing to escape through her album. “You really wrapped your arms around it,” Swift said.

Elton John was honored with the Icon Award presented by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Lil Nas X. John is the second artist to earn the award after Bon Jovi in 2018. Prior to taking the stage, H.E.R., Brandi Carlile and Demi Lovato (who wore John’s trademark square glasses) performed a medley of John’s hits, including “Bennie and the Jets,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and “I’m Still Standing.”

(SD-Agencies)