iHeartRadio Music Festival 2025: Legends, Anthems & the Future of Live Music
Las Vegas once again became the capital of sound and spectacle as the iHeartRadio Music Festival celebrated its 14th edition on September 19 and 20 at the T-Mobile Arena. The two-night event, blended nostalgia with new energy, proving why it’s one of the most anticipated festivals on the calendar.
Mimi on the iHeart Stage | Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Mariah Carey was pure icon energy on Saturday night, taking the crowd through all her greatest eras. From the euphoric opener “Fantasy” and a mashup of “Honey” and “Heartbreaker,” to ballads like “My All” and anthems such as “Touch My Body” and “Obsessed,” Carey reminded everyone why her voice still defines generations. She also looked forward,debuting new tracks from her upcoming 16th studio album Here For It All, including “Type Dangerous” and the Kehlani and Shenseea collab “Sugar Sweet.” By the time she closed with “We Belong Together,” the arena was nothing short of euphoric.
LL Cool J | Photo courtesy of Getty Images
If Carey’s set was a masterclass in pop legacy, LL COOL J opened the festival with raw hip-hop charisma. Entering “I Need Love,” he turned the T-Mobile Arena into a house party with classics like “Doin’ It,” “All I Have,” “Mama Said Knock You Out,” and “I’m Bad.” Even four decades into his career, the Rock The Bells founder proved his stage command is as sharp as ever.
Brian Addams | Photo courtesy of Getty Images
On Friday night, Bryan Adams offered a cross-generational set, from the timeless “Run to You” and “Heaven” to new material like “Roll With the Punches.” He wrapped with “Summer of ’69,” transforming the arena into one giant sing-along. Ed Sheeran wowed the next night with a one-man show, layering loops live on stage for tracks like “Shivers,” “Sapphire,” “Shape of You,” and “Bad Habits,” creating an intimacy that contrasted perfectly with the spectacle around him.
Ed Sheeran | Photo courtesy of Getty Images
The festival also spotlighted younger voices stepping into global stardom. Tate McRae blended fiery choreography and bold pop on tracks like “Greedy,” “Exes,” and “You Broke Me First,” cementing her reputation as one of Gen Z’s defining performers. Meanwhile, The Offspring brought pure punk nostalgia, unleashing 90s and 2000s anthems like “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” a reminder of the enduring bite of their California sound.
The Offspring | Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Across two nights, the lineup stretched wide: Jelly Roll, Diplo, GloRilla, John Fogerty, Justice, Maroon 5, Sammy Hagar, Tim McGraw, Bailey Zimmerman, and BigXthaPlug all added their own textures to a weekend that blurred genres and generations. Fogerty even leaned into the CCR lore, joking about the infamous “bathroom on the right”misheard lyric before jamming with his son Shane.
Tate McRae | Photo courtesy of Getty Images
At its heart, the iHeartRadio Music Festival remains as a cultural snapshot. Coming back to it after a few years was a joy to feel that it’s still a place where Carey can debut new music next to her greatest hits, LL COOL J declares himself the G.O.A.T., and where The Offspring, Ed Sheeran, and Tate McRae can all share the same stage. It’s a place where times collide with neon lights, confetti, and all.
Tim McGraw | Photo courtesy of Getty Images
For those who couldn’t be in Las Vegas, the festival was broadcast live across more than 150 iHeartMedia stations and livestreamed exclusively on Hulu. And starting October 2, fans will be able to relive the highlights with a special festival broadcast on Hulu.