Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett, Luke Combs, More Win At 2021 iHeartRadio Awards

The 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards, hosted by Usher, went live at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 27.

The 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards honored the legendary Elton John with the 2021 iHeartRadio Icon Award which also featured a tribute performance from Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato and H.E.R., honoring John’s global impact on pop culture, longevity and continued relevance as a touring and radio force.

Dan + Shay, who won Best Duo/Group of the Year, reunited with their full band on the iHeart stage to perform “Glad You Exist” for the first time. The show also featured appearances from Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, twenty one pilots, Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, Gabby Barrett, AJR and more.

“Thank you iHeartRadio and thank you to our incredible fans,” said Dan + Shay after accepting the award on the red carpet prior to the show. “This means the world. Ok, gotta gather our emotions and get ready to perform. We love y’all so much.”

Luke Combs won two categories for Country Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year for What You See Ain’t Always What You Get. Meanwhile, Barrett kept up her awards momentum and walked away with Best New Country Artist. Maren Morris also won Country Song of the Year with her hit single “The Bones.”

“This week has been amazing,” Barrett shares. “To win this award is beyond what I could have imagined. It’s hard to believe. I am so blessed, and so grateful.”

Ashley Gorley won Songwriter of the Year out of all-genre songwriters Ali Tamposi, Amy Allen, Dan Nigro, and Finneas. Gorley is currently No. 1 on the MusicRow Songwriters Chart with Thomas Rhett’s “What’s Your Country Song” and “Country Again,” Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night,” Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” and “Warning,” Chris Stapleton’s “You Should Probably Leave,” and Hardy’s “Give Heaven Some Hell.”

For a full list of categories and their winners, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards. Playback of the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards is available now through June 17 with On Demand, FOX NOW, and Hulu.