Gracie Abrams Wins Breakthrough Artist at 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Shouting Out Taylor Swift & Olivia Rodrigo

The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards marked another unforgettable night in the music industry, celebrating the biggest artists and most-played songs of the past year. Among the winners was Gracie Abrams, who took home the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award—a testament to her meteoric rise in the pop music landscape.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Abrams gave heartfelt thanks to Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, and The National, crediting them for their unwavering support and inspiration. This moment not only solidified her status as one of today’s most promising young artists but also underscored the importance of mentorship and collaboration in the modern music industry.

A Star-Studded Night at the iHeartRadio Music Awards

Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, 2025, the iHeartRadio Music Awards once again brought together the industry’s most influential artists. Hosted by the legendary LL Cool J, the ceremony featured electrifying performances by Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, GloRilla, Kenny Chesney, Muni Long, and Nelly, among others.

Beyond Abrams’ big win, other notable honorees included:

• Lady Gaga received the Innovator Award for her groundbreaking contributions to music, fashion, and culture.
• Mariah Carey, honored with the Icon Award for her decades-long influence on the music industry.
• Nelly, who took home the Landmark Award, presented by Ashanti.

But it was Gracie Abrams’ moment that truly stood out, as she stepped onto the stage, visibly emotional, to accept her award from longtime friend and collaborator Billie Eilish.

Gracie Abrams’ Emotional Acceptance Speech

Dressed in an elegant black ensemble, Gracie Abrams took a deep breath before delivering an emotional acceptance speech that resonated with the audience.

“This means the absolute world to me,” she said, holding back tears. “I wouldn’t be here without the incredible support I’ve had along the way. Taylor, Olivia, Noah, The National—you have all inspired and encouraged me in ways I can’t even put into words.”

Abrams also took a moment to thank her fans, label, team, and family, emphasizing the importance of community and positivity, especially in today’s uncertain world.

The heartfelt speech showcased not just her gratitude but also the deep bonds she shares with some of the biggest names in music today.

Taylor Swift’s Mentorship: A Key Factor in Abrams’ Success

Gracie Abrams has long expressed admiration for Taylor Swift, and their friendship has grown into a powerful mentorship. Swift, known for championing young artists, has played a crucial role in Abrams’ journey.

How Taylor Swift Helped Shape Gracie Abrams’ Career

• “The Eras Tour” Experience: Abrams was handpicked by Swift to open for several shows on The Eras Tour, a career-defining opportunity that introduced her to millions of fans worldwide. Abrams described the experience as “being in the same orbit as a living legend.”
• Collaboration on “Us”: Their relationship evolved into a creative partnership, culminating in their collaboration on “Us,” a track from Abrams’ second studio album, The Secret of Us.
• Grammy Recognition: The song was critically acclaimed and even earned a Grammy nomination, marking a huge milestone for Abrams.

Abrams and Swift’s bond goes beyond music—they’ve often been seen together at industry events, and Swift has publicly praised Abrams’ songwriting abilities. Their shared passion for storytelling has led to one of the most compelling mentor-mentee relationships in recent pop history.

The Influence of Olivia Rodrigo on Gracie Abrams

Another significant figure in Abrams’ career is Olivia Rodrigo. The two have been friends and collaborators for years, supporting each other in an industry that can often be competitive.

The Abrams-Rodrigo Friendship: More Than Just Industry Peers

• Collaborations and Joint Performances: Abrams and Rodrigo have shared the stage multiple times, with Rodrigo inviting Abrams to special guest performances on her tour.
• A Shared Journey in Pop Music: Both artists are known for their deeply personal songwriting and raw storytelling, making their bond feel organic and genuine.
• Mutual Support: Whether it’s through Instagram shout-outs or showing up at each other’s concerts, Abrams and Rodrigo continuously uplift one another.

At a time when female pop artists are often pitted against each other, their friendship defies industry norms, proving that collaboration is more powerful than competition.

Gracie Abrams’ Show-Stopping Performance at the Awards

Aside from taking home one of the night’s biggest awards, Abrams also delivered a mesmerizing performance of her hit song, “That’s So True.”

Accompanied by a stripped-down band setup and bathed in soft golden light, Abrams’ raw vocals and emotional delivery captivated the audience. Fans took to social media to praise her hauntingly beautiful performance, with many noting how her stage presence has evolved over the past year.

The Rise of Gracie Abrams: A Look at Her Recent Achievements

Abrams’ iHeartRadio win is just one of many milestones in what has been a breakout year for the young artist. Here’s a closer look at her recent successes:

1. The Release of The Secret of Us

Her second studio album, The Secret of Us, was released in early 2025 to critical and commercial success. Featuring a mix of introspective ballads and experimental pop tracks, the album solidified Abrams’ reputation as one of the most compelling songwriters of her generation.

2. Grammy Nomination for “Us”

Her collaboration with Taylor Swift, “Us,” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, bringing even more attention to her artistry.

3. Touring with Top Artists

In addition to touring with Swift, Abrams has also joined artists like Noah Kahan and Selena Gomez on select dates, further expanding her reach.

4. Expanding Her Sound

While she initially gained recognition for soft indie-pop ballads, The Secret of Us sees her experimenting with new sounds, including alt-pop and folk influences, showcasing her artistic versatility.

The Power of Mentorship & Collaboration in Pop Music

One of the biggest takeaways from Gracie Abrams’ journey is the importance of mentorship in the music industry.

Artists like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo paved the way for her success, much like Swift was once mentored by country stars like Faith Hill and Shania Twain.

This cycle of established artists supporting the next generation is a reminder that success in music is rarely a solo journey.

What’s Next for Gracie Abrams?

With an iHeartRadio win, a Grammy nomination, and an expanding fan base, the future looks incredibly bright for Gracie Abrams.

Possible Future Projects:

• A potential headlining tour to promote The Secret of Us.
• More high-profile collaborations, possibly with Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, or even Lana Del Rey.
• Continued genre experimentation, as Abrams has hinted at exploring more folk and electronic influences in future projects.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Gracie Abrams

Winning Breakthrough Artist at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards isn’t just another trophy on Abrams’ shelf—it’s a defining moment in her career.

Her journey, shaped by mentorship, collaboration, and raw storytelling, proves that pop music isn’t just about catchy hooks and viral hits—it’s about authenticity, connection, and artistic evolution.

As she continues to grow, Gracie Abrams is no longer just a rising star—she’s a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.