Kendrick Lamar dominates the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, sweeping every Hip-Hop category. See his historic wins for "GNX" and "luther" ft. SZA.
- March 29, 2026
AceShowbiz - At the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Kendrick Lamar made a powerful statement by winning every Hip-Hop category he was nominated for, solidifying his position as a leading figure in rap music this year.
Kendrick Lamar earned the titles of Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Hip-Hop Album of the Year for "GNX," and Hip-Hop Song of the Year for "luther," a collaboration with SZA. His outstanding performance at the awards highlighted the impact of his recent releases and collaborations on both fans and industry voters.
The ceremony was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by Ludacris, who also received the Landmark Award in recognition of his contributions to music and culture. Early in the night, it became clear that Kendrick's artistic achievements resonated strongly across the board.
Among emerging talent, Real Boston Richey was honored with Best New Artist in Hip-Hop, showcasing the fresh voices rising within the genre.
The awards night extended beyond Hip-Hop, celebrating excellence across multiple genres. Chris Brown took home R&B Artist of the Year, while Kehlani won R&B Song of the Year for "Folded." Leon Thomas was recognized as Best New Artist in R&B and also received R&B Album of the Year for PHOLKS.
Pop music was dominated once again by Taylor Swift, who secured Pop Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year for "The Life of a Showgirl."
In addition to current stars, the evening paid tribute to music legends, with John Mellencamp receiving the Icon Award, honoring his lasting influence in the industry.
The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards continue to serve as a key indicator of trends and popular music, and Kendrick Lamar's triple wins signal his continued relevance and connection with a wide audience.