Why Taylor Swift wasn't at the iHeartRadio Music Awards

Taylor Swift accepts Tour of the Century award remotely and debuts never-before-seen Mirrorball performance.


Pop Culture & Art March 18, 2025
Swift records her 2019 live album in Paris. Photo: File

Taylor Swift, one of the most nominated artists at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, did not attend the event despite receiving nine nominations and a special honor. The pop superstar was recognized with the Tour of the Century award for her record-breaking Eras Tour, accepting the accolade through a video message.

In her acceptance speech, Swift expressed gratitude for her band and crew, crediting them for the tour’s success. “I think about that tour constantly,” she shared, adding that the support she received made its challenges easier to handle. “It blows my mind. I appreciate this more than you know.”

Although Swift did not provide a reason for skipping the Los Angeles ceremony, she and her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, were spotted enjoying a date night in New York City over the weekend.

Ahead of the event, iHeartRadio teased a special Eras Tour-related surprise, leading to speculation among fans. Some anticipated an announcement of a behind-the-scenes documentary, while others predicted a performance clip from the tour’s early shows. Ultimately, fans were treated to a never-before-seen performance of Swift’s 2020 song Mirrorball from the tour’s opening night, aligning with the second anniversary of its debut.

In addition to Tour of the Century, Swift was nominated for nine other awards, including Favorite Tour Tradition for her surprise songs and Favorite Surprise Guest for Kelce’s London performance. While she was absent from the event, the night reinforced her lasting impact on the music industry and live performance scene.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ