This year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards feel unpredictable, with the standard making any winner difficult to name. That suspense carries into the 13th ceremony on March 26, 2026, live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, airing at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Until then, that uncertainty continues as fans vote in the music video category, influencing outcomes long before the night arrives officially.

iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026 Best Music Video nominations

Lady Gaga’s 'Abracadabra' anchors the Best Music Video field with a stark dance battle visual, while Bad Bunny’s 'BAILE INoLVIDABLE' brings classical salsa storytelling into contention. Together, they establish a competition rooted in theatrical symbolism, cultural memory, and sharply defined artistic identities.

That emphasis on reinvention continues with LISA, Doja Cat, and RAYE in 'BORN AGAIN', a neo-noir transformation narrative, while Taylor Swift’s 'The Fate of Ophelia' strengthens her dominance across nine total nominations. Both visuals extend music video ambition into mythmaking and historical allegory.

Momentum then shifts toward lyric-driven recognition, where Sabrina Carpenter’s 'Manchild' competes simultaneously for Best Music Video, Best Lyrics, and Song of the Year. Alongside it, Ed Sheeran’s 'Sapphire' reinforces cinematic scale, while Alex Warren’s 'Ordinary' supports his Best New Artist (Pop) nomination.

Meanwhile, global influence defines the next tier as BLACKPINK’s 'JUMP', JENNIE’s 'Like JENNIE', and ROSÉ’s 'Toxic till the end' secure cross-nominations, including Favorite TikTok Dance. These entries demonstrate how choreography, virality, and precision aesthetics now directly influence award outcomes.

Finally, breakout recognition arrives with KATSEYE’s 'Gabriela' debut nomination and the genre-blending 'Shake It to the Max (FLY) (Remix)'. Together, these selections confirm that the Best Music Video race rewards scale, storytelling, and sustained cultural impact rather than spectacle alone.

Who do you want to win the Best Music Video award at this year's iHeartRadio Music Awards?

Written by

Iffat Siddiqui

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui