AceShowbiz - The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards are set to be an unforgettable event, with Ludacris returning as the host and being celebrated with the prestigious Landmark Award. The Atlanta-born rapper and entertainer previously hosted the iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2024, where his lively opening monologue and dynamic performance captivated audiences. With his proven experience, Ludacris is prepared to lead this year’s ceremony with the same energy and enthusiasm.

Ludacris is no stranger to award show hosting duties, having also served as the emcee for the Billboard Music Awards in 2016 and 2017. His familiarity with live broadcasts brings a unique thrill to the proceedings, as he shared in a recent conversation about the unpredictability and excitement that live events offer. “Anything can happen,” he emphasized, highlighting the spontaneity that makes these ceremonies so engaging.

Alongside Ludacris' hosting role and landmark accolade, the awards night will honor several other major artists with significant recognitions. Miley Cyrus will receive the Innovator Award, recognizing her global musical and cultural influence following her recent Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special. The Breakthrough Artist Award will be presented to Grammy nominee and chart-topping singer-songwriter Alex Warren, while legendary artist John Mellencamp will be honored with the Icon Award.

One of the biggest draws of the evening will be the appearance of Taylor Swift, who is nominated in nine categories this year. Marking her first attendance at the event since 2023, Swift is expected to make a special appearance, much to the excitement of fans and industry insiders alike.

The night’s performances promise to be equally memorable. 90s hip-hop and R&B icons Salt-N-Pepa, TLC, and En Vogue will share the stage together for the first time, coinciding with their recently announced It's Iconic tour. Rising star Raye will also perform, coinciding with the release of her second studio album This Music May Contain Hope, which drops the day after the ceremony. Naturally, Ludacris himself will take a break from hosting duties to deliver a performance that blends his classic hits with fresh material, showcasing why he’s being honored with the Landmark Award.

In an exclusive interview ahead of the ceremony scheduled for Thursday, March 26, Billboard spoke with Ludacris about his excitement for hosting again, the dynamic lineup of performers, and his thoughts on the award recipients.

Asked what excites him most about returning as host after previously leading the 2024 event, Ludacris noted the thrill of live broadcasting. “Just it being live, because anything can happen. Not all award shows are live, and I just love that element. It brings a whole new excitement to it. You just never know what can happen—anything can happen.”

When pressed about potential surprises during the show, he remained tight-lipped but hinted that there will be “a bunch of those types of crazy surprises.” He did confirm, however, that Taylor Swift’s appearance, though not a secret, will be a major highlight given her long absence from the event.

Hosting an event with numerous awards can be exhausting, so Ludacris credited his support team for keeping him grounded and energized. “I got a team of individuals around me that help me stay sane and keep me on point. I can’t do it all myself. I always make sure that I give love to the team that’s around me. Having the experience of doing it before is also something that comforts me, and I feel like we’re going to make it even better, and are trying to top last time.”

Receiving the Landmark Award is a significant milestone for Ludacris. He shared that the honor means a great deal, reflecting on the longevity and cultural relevance of his music. “As artists, when we first put music out, you never know exactly how long it’s going to have impact. So when you can be in the industry for over two decades and look back at it, these are the type of awards that bring joy to your heart. You’re able to reflect on the impact, the amount of time and relevancy that your songs have made in the culture. So I’m extremely excited.”

Regarding advice for rising artists like Alex Warren, who is set to receive the Breakthrough Artist Award, Ludacris encouraged resilience and focus. “Try not to take anything personal. Just keep going in the industry, that’s what I would say. Just keep your passion in the music, and don’t let the behind-the-scenes mess up your ability to stay focused on the music.”

Ludacris also teased his upcoming performance at the awards, promising a mix of new and classic material. “Something new. Absolutely something new and something classic, [we’re molding] those together.”

When asked about other performances he’s looking forward to, he expressed excitement for TLC and Salt-N-Pepa. “Man, I can’t wait to see TLC—you know, the hometown, that’s Atlanta, Georgia, right there. And Salt-N-Pepa, they are a pioneer female rap group. I love seeing pioneers be able to come back. For those who may not have been around when Salt-N-Pepa started, they’re able to witness their history and people that have paved the way for all of these current female artists. So those are the ones I’m most excited about.”

On the significance of Miley Cyrus receiving the Innovator Award, Ludacris praised her ability to evolve from child star to global superstar. “It’s not easy to transition from child star into super stardom and have this type of role for so long. You see a lot of people that started in the children’s space, and it’s not as easy to transcend all of those years, still keep a level head and continue to grow as an artist. So I just want to salute her for just being consistent in elevation as a star and as a person that’s passionate about all that she does, it definitely shows.”

As the ceremony approaches, Ludacris offered a simple but heartfelt message to all nominees: “Man, good luck. That’s all I would say.”

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards promise a night full of celebration, surprise, and outstanding performances, with Ludacris at the forefront both as host and honoree. Fans and music lovers alike can anticipate an event that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks ahead to the future of music.