Jelly Roll Crowned Country Artist of the Year at 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards — Delivers Emotional Speech From Tour

Country music fans are celebrating as Jelly Roll takes home one of the biggest honors of the night—Country Artist of the Year—at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The emotional win marks yet another milestone in Jelly Roll’s inspiring journey from underground rap roots to the top of the country charts.

A Win From the Road

Although the 40-year-old “Liar” singer couldn’t attend the awards show in person—he’s currently on his Beautifully Broken: Great Northern Tour in Canada—he made sure to send in a heartfelt video acceptance speech that’s resonating with fans across the globe.

“What’s up y’all? Man, I really wish I was there,” Jelly Roll said in the video posted to iHeartRadio’s social media. “I am absolutely honored. I was thinking about last year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards, and I won Best New Country Artist. To come back this year and win Country Artist of the Year is just unbelievable in every way it can be.”

A Message to the Fans

In true Jelly Roll fashion, he didn’t forget to thank the people who helped get him here—his fans and the radio stations who believed in his sound.

“Thank y’all for calling and still requesting the songs. Thank you for playing them, thank you for all the support and all the love,” he continued. “Wish I could be there, but I’m on tour, baby—bringing the music to the people, just like iHeart does. Love y’all, man!”

 

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A Competitive Category Full of Country Powerhouses

Jelly Roll’s win is even more impressive considering the fierce competition. Other nominees in the Country Artist of the Year category included:

• Kane Brown
• Lainey Wilson
• Luke Combs
• Morgan Wallen

He’s also up for several other awards tonight, including:

• Country Song of the Year – “I Am Not Okay”
• Artist of the Year
• Rock Song of the Year – “All My Life” (feat. Falling In Reverse)

A Star-Studded Night at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Hosted by two-time Grammy winner LL Cool J, the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards air live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday, March 17, from 8:00–10:00 p.m. ET (tape-delayed PT) on FOX.

The night also features live performances from major stars like:

• Bad Bunny
• Billie Eilish
• Kenny Chesney
• Gracie Abrams
• Muni Long
• Nelly
• GloRilla

And that’s not all—the show is packed with iconic honors as well:

• Lady Gaga – Innovator Award
• Mariah Carey – Icon Award
• Nelly – Landmark Award
• Gracie Abrams – Breakthrough Artist of the Year
• Taylor Swift – Tour of the Century Award (for her record-breaking Eras Tour)