2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Every year the iHeartRadio recognizes and honors the greatest talent in mainstream music. With over 200 million listeners daily, iHeartRadio reaches more people than any other radio or television outlet in the United States alone. And it is official, the iHeartRadio Music Awards will be held on Sunday, March 5th 2017 at the Historic Forum in the heart of Los Angeles. The real question is; however, who are the nominees for this year's awards?

A song can speak so many words, as a song can tell a story. And if that story is powerful or delivers a message, it can make you want to listen to it all of the time. One thing I love about music is the message. Sure an outstanding melody and backbeat can really lure you in, but a story can keep you interested. With so many songs introduced to us in 2016, iHeartRadio is recognizing five of the best. So, what are the best songs of the year? The nominees for 'Song of the year' are officially here. They include:

- "Can't Stop The Feeling" - Justin Timberlake
- "Cheap Thrills" - Sia featuring Sean Paul
- "Closer" - The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
- "One Dance" - Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla
- "Stressed Out" - twenty one pilots


One thing I love about this year's nominees is the fact that they are all talented and yet so very different. Lets face it, the women in music are incredibly talented and what better way to recognize and honor them than by the world's biggest radio platform - iHeartRadio. As the awards approach us, here are this year's nominees:

- Adele
- Ariana Grande
- Rihanna
- Selena Gomez
- Sia


2016 brought us a lot of wonderful things. And as we are now in 2017, we can appreciate last year because of it. With so many talented men in music, only five have been recognized this year as the best. So, who is the Best Male Artist of the year for 2017? The nominees for Best Male Artist include:

- Drake
- Justin Bieber
- Luke Bryan
- Shawn Mendes
- The Weeknd

With so many talented artists out there, the dynamic duos and groups really bring something new and different to music. As a team effort is always required in a workplace environment, it is also a great thing to possess in music. With so many duos and groups, there can only be one 'Best Duo/Group of the year'. The nominees for iHeartRadio's Music Awards this year have been officially announced. So, what are they? 

- Coldplay
- DNCE
- Florida Georgia Line
- The Chainsmokers
- twenty one pilots

Alternative rock has been quite a preferred genre of rock to many music enthusiasts. And even if you don't appreciate rock, you will love it after you hear the alternative genre. Speaking of Alternative rock, the nominees for Best Alternative Rock song for 2017 include:

- "Bored to Death" - blink-182
- "Dark Necessities" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
- "Heathens" - twenty one pilots
- "Ride" - twenty one pilots
- "Trouble" - Cage The Elephant


As a genre, rock has grown immensely into magic to music. With so many sub-genres, rock remains to be one of the greatest ever. And in recent years, alternative rock has really proved this theory to be true. So, who are the nominees for Alternative Rock of the year?

- blink-182
- Cage The Elephant
- Coldplay
- The Strumbellas
- twenty one pilots

Are you ready to rock? I am obsessed with iHeartRadio and when I heard the list of nominees for best rock song, I guess you could say I was pretty stoked. It's not everyday that bands you appreciated as a child are relevant again. The nominees for Best Rock Song have been officially announced...

- "Bang Bang" - Green Day
- "Dark Necessities" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
- "Take Me Down" The Pretty Reckless
- "The Devil's Bleeding Crown" Volbeat
- "The Sound Of Silence" - Disturbed


If you know me, you know how much I love rock music. In fact, if I had to choose a favorite genre, this would be it. When I heard about the bands nominated for this category, I was quite happy as I am fan of all of them. But the real question remains; what are the nominees for Rock Artist of the Year?

- Disturbed
- Five Finger Death Punch
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Shinedown
- Volbeat


Country music is a genre that brings a southern flair that can best be described in a song. With so many amazing songs to choose from, five of them really stood out this year. As Carrie Underwood shared church bells, Thomas Rhett was wearing a t-shirt. And although Cole Swindell insisted you should be here, Old Dominion asked to Snapback just before Dierks Bentley was somewhere on a beach. So, what are the nominees for Best Country Song of the year?

- "Church Bells" - Carrie Underwood
- "Snapback" - Old Dominion
- "Somewhere On A Beach" - Dierks Bentley
- "T-Shirt" - Thomas Rhett
- "You Should Be Here" - Cole Swindell


2017 is a year of a new dawn, a new day and a new life and I think we can all agree that we are feeling good about this year for many reasons. iHeartRadio just announced the nominees for Country Artist of the Year. So, who is the best Country Music Artist of the year? With all of the incredible talent in country music, I am proud to share the nominees for this year...

- Carrie Underwood
- Jason Aldean
- Keith Urban
- Luke Bryan
- Thomas Rhett


Some of the greatest songs ever come from the dance music genre. After all, they are the life of virtually every party. And after hearing the nominees this year, I don't think there has been a moment I sat down because all I did was dance. Yes, it is true. BTW, here are the nominees for Dance Song of the year...

- "Closer" - The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
- "Cold Water" - Major Lazer featuring Justin Bieber and MØ
- "Don't Let Me Down" - The Chainsmokers featuring Daya
- "I Took A Pill In Ibiza" - Mike Posner
- "Let Me Love You" - DJ Snake featuring Justin Bieber


There is literally nothing more exciting than music that makes you want to get up and just move. Dance music has been around for quite sometime and has recently evolved into something bigger, dipping heavily into mainstream. With many outstanding artists and bands within the genre, I am proud to announce the nominees for Dance Artist of the year.

- Calvin Harris
- DJ Snake
- Flume
- Major Lazer
- The Chainsmokers


One thing to appreciate about the hip hop genre is it's ability to bring something different to music. Although this genre may not be your cup of tea, it could be ones' idea of a perfect drink. As a fan of the genre, it is great to see iHeartRadio recognize the best songs in the genre. So, what are they? What are the nominees for Best Hip Hop Song of the year?

- "All The Way Up" - Fat Joe and Remy Ma featuring French Montana
- "Controlla" - Drake
- "For Free" - DJ Khaled featuring Drake
- "One Dance" - Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla
- "Panda" - Desiigner

Hip Hop is one of those genres that brings out a fusion of rap, soul and pop with a hint of beat. What I love about hip hop is it's unique way of telling a story using limericks and beats. One thing is certain, you either get it or you don't. The tried & true talent of Hip Hop is found in this year's nominees...

- Desiigner
- DJ Khaled
- Drake
- Future
- J. Cole

The talent is very much real and alive in the music industry. Thank you to iHeartRadio, the awards are even better than ever. As Beyoncé said she was sorry, Bryson Tiller wanted to exchange. As Usher said no limit, that is when Rihanna and Drake wanted to work before Rihanna needed me. The nominees for Best R&B Song of the year include:

- "Exchange" - Bryson Tiller
- "Needed Me" - Rihanna
- "No Limit" - Usher featuring Young Thug
- "Sorry" - Beyoncé
- "Work" - Rihanna featuring Drake

As we say goodbye to 2016 we fly into 2017, we just can't help but appreciate everything the year brought us. A lot of tried & true talent is one thing; however, the legendary iconic talent is another. When I look at the nominees for Best R&B Artist this year, I see so many people who bring so much to music and therefore, are legendary. So, who are the nominees for Best R&B Artist of the year?

- Beyoncé
- Bryson Tiller
- Rihanna
- The Weeknd
- Usher

With every great artist lies a song. A song that tells more than a story. In Latin culture one thing I learned is that every song projects an emotion. An emotion so big, that it gravitates learn music. If a song is meant to be happy and exciting, it will be. If it's mean to depict sorrow and sadness, well it does that too. But the question remains; what are the nominees for Best Latin Song this year?

- "Ay Mi Dios" - IAmChino featuring Pitbull, Yandel and El Chacal
- "De Pies A Cabeza" - Mana featuring Nicky Jam
- "Duele El Corazon" - Enrique Iglesias featuring Wisin
- "La Carretera" - Prince Royce
- "Ya Me Enteré" - Reik featuring Nicky Jam

We live in a century where Latin culture has been embraced in more ways than one. Whether it is through the people, the places, the food and the music, there are so many things one can appreciate. This year the world-renowned radio outlet recognizes some of the greatest Latin artists. So, who are they? Who is the Best Latin Artist of the year?

- Enrique Iglesias
- J Balvin
- Nicky Jam
- Prince Royce
- Yandel

iHeartRadio has officially announced the nominees for this year's awards. Best Regional Mexican Song is a category that you may have never heard of; however, when you hear their music (especially the songs this year) you cannot help but love this genre and appreciate it too. So, what are this year's nominees?

- "Amor Del Bueno" - Calibre 50
- "Cicatrices" - Regulo Caro
- "Me Está Gustando" - Banda Los Recoditos
- "¿Por Qué Terminamos?" - Gerardo Ortiz
- "Solo Con Verte" - Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga


Hola! Music is suppose to be exciting yet possess a dopamine-like appeal that makes you want to listen to it again and again and again and again. When listening to some of these Mexican artists, I always feel inspired to do something new and different. I've listened to quite a few this year; however, the nominees for 'Best Regional Mexican Artist' tend to stand out the most. The nominees this year include:

- Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga
- Banda Los Recoditos
- Calibre 50
- Gerardo Ortiz
- Remmy Valenzuela


Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist is a new category brought to you by iHeartMusic that recognizes new talent from the rock and/or alternative rock genre. I recently went to a show where I watched about ten different bands back-to-back. I couldn't believe the talent I heard. Needless to say, I was astonished by what I heard. The nominees for 'Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist' include:

- Foals
- Kaleo
- Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
- Red Sun Rising
- The Strumbellas


Country music is a genre to appreciate for its originality and quality. When you hear it, you know you live in a place you can call home. I think of country as the music of America, as it is musical category that originated here. With tons of country superstars today, the talent is endless. And like the other categories here, only a few can be acknowledged, recognized and honored for their gifts towards the music industry. So, who are the nominees this year?

- Chris Lane
- Chris Stapleton
- Granger Smith
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Maren Morris


Hip Hop delivers the greatest beats with a limerick that depicts a story, a story that complements the composition. There are many artists in this category; however, only a few were recognized this year by iHeartRadio. So, who are they? Who are the nominees for 'Best New Hip Hop Artist'?

- Chance The Rapper
- Desiigner
- D.R.A.M.
- Kent Jones
- Kevin Gates

Latin music brings an amazingly new unique sound to music. I don't care what anyone says, if you dislike this genre, you evidently have not heard the right artist. As Best New Latin Artist, this category is filled with relatively new, tried & true talent. The nominees for this category include:

- Carlos Rivera
- Christian Daniel
- CNCO
- IAmChino
- Sofia Reyes


Best New R&B Soul artists really bring an unique quality to music. As a crossover genre, this pop soul fusion takes you to a different world every single time you listen to it. So, who are the nominees this year?

- Belly
- Bryson Tiller
- Dreezy
- Kayla Brianna
- Ro James


Just recently, I have garnered an interest in Latino music. Mexican artists really bring something so amazing to music. With a fusion of ethnic flavor, I am really digging the execution and deliver of these artists and as a result, am very much looking forward to hearing more. So, who are the nominees for 'Best New Regional Mexican Artist'?

- Adriel Favela
- Banda Los Sebastianes
- Cheyo Carrillo
- Joss Favela
- La Séptima Banda


A lot of new categories are added this year to the iHeartRadio Awards roster which is quite exciting if you ask me. One of them is the Best New Pop Artist category. So many talented artists attempt to dip into the industry and only few are able to walk through the door. These amazing talents were lucky enough to share their gifts with the world today...

- Alessia Cara
- Daya
- Lukas Graham
- The Chainsmokers
- ZAYN

There are not many people in this world that can take music and turn it into something remarkable. An artist can do so much; however, we live in the 21st century where so much can be done to enhance a tune and make it that much better. A producer not only lays out the tracks, they mix and master the entire recording. And it is because of this they deserve true recognition for their efforts towards another gifted talent. So, who are the nominees this year?

- Benny Blanco
- Greg Kurstin
- Max Martin
- Mike Elizondo
- The Chainsmokers

When a song is good, it sounds good. The composition is there. However; when a song is great, amazing or even incredible, it depicts a story that one can relate to. A story that simply makes sense. Lyrics really create something special to music. Composition is a foundation; however, without lyrics there is no story one can truly relate to. What are the nominees for 'Best Lyrics'?

- "7 Years" - Lukas Graham
- "Came Here to Forget" - Blake Shelton
- "Cheap Thrills" - Sia featuring Sean Paul
- "Closer" - The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
- "Heathens" - twenty one pilots
- "Love Yourself" - Justin Bieber
- "Scars To Your Beautiful" - Alessia Cara
- "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)" - Adele
- "Too Good" – Drake featuring Rihanna
- "You Should Be Here" - Cole Swindell

As another socially voted category, I think we can all agree that collaborations add something special to music. One of the things I love about music is the collaboration between two gifted talents. Whether two artists, two bands or an artist with a band and vice versus. You have to admit, it really makes you appreciate music that much more. So, who are the nominees for 'Best Collaboration' this year?

- "Cheap Thrills" - Sia featuring Sean Paul
- "Closer" - The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
- "Don't Let Me Down" - The Chainsmokers featuring Daya
- "This Is What You Came For" - Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna
- "Work" - Rihanna featuring Drake

Covers can make or break an artist, as they are often compared to the original; however, if they have more moments than the original, they can shine their way creating a world-wide hit (take 'I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston' for instance). Many great talents this year have proved that their rendition of a song is destined to shine and as a result, they are recognized for it. The nominees for this year's best cover song include:

- "All I Ask" - Bruno Mars
- "Ex's and Oh's" - Fifth Harmony
- "Fast Car" - Justin Bieber
- "Hands to Myself" - DNCE
- "Here" - Shawn Mendes
- "How Will I Know" - Ariana Grande
- "Love on the Brain" - Kelly Clarkson
- "Purple Rain" - Jennifer Hudson and the cast of The Color Purple
- "Sound of Silence" - Disturbed
- "Too Good" - Zara Larsson

Every time you watch a movie, do you notice what is playing before, during or after? Another category this year includes 'Best Song from a Movie'. As the Suicide Squad brought you life from your favorite comic book, Trolls delivered a timeless toon of your favorite doll. As the Ghostbusters remake recognized the original by changing things up a bit, we got to see what really happened to Bridget Jones and watch Alice Looking Through the Walking Glass. The question remains; what are the best? Here are this year's nominees:

- "Can't Stop the Feeling" - Justin Timberlake (Trolls)
- "Falling for You" - Ellie Goulding (Bridget Jones's Baby)
- "Girls Talk Boys" - 5 Seconds of Summer (Ghostbusters)
- "Heathens" - twenty one pilots (Suicide Squad)
- "Just Like Fire" - P!nk (Alice Through the Looking Glass)

So, what is your favorite music video this year? The Best New Music category is on fire this year with an array of talent lined up to take home the big award March 5th. As a new category to the awards this year, this is one that recognizes only the hottest in mainstream music today. And the best part is, you get to vote for the best. Who are the nominees this year?

- "Don't Let Me Down" - The Chainsmokers featuring Daya
- "Formation" - Beyoncé
- "Hasta El Amanecer" - Nicky Jam
- "Heathens" - twenty one pilots
- "Hymn for the Weekend" - Coldplay
- "I Took A Pill In Ibiza" - Mike Posner
- "Pillowtalk" - ZAYN
- "Side to Side" - Ariana Grande featuring Nicki Minaj
- "This Is What You Came For" - Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna
- "Work" - Rihanna featuring Drake
- "Work From Home" - Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign

Best Underground Alternative band is a new category to the awards this year which recognizes the best undiscovered talent who embrace the alternative culture and genre. And guess what? You get to choose your favorite. The nominees include:

- Hey Violet
- Pierce the Veil
- PVRIS
- Sleeping With Sirens
- Tonight Alive

Social Star Award. As a socially voted category, this is a new category for the awards this year which recognizes your favorite online personality. The nominees for this year include:

- Alex Aiono from YouTube
- Baby Ariel from Musical.ly
- Emma McGann from YouNow
- Hailey Knox from YouNow
- Jack and Jack from Snapchat
- Jacob Sartorius from Musical.ly
- Marcus Perez from Facebook
- Steph Clavin from Instagram
- Todrick Hall from YouTube
- xYego from Smule

Best Fan Army (which is presented by Taco Bell) recognizes fans and enthusiasts of different artists and bands. This is a socially voted category which means you get to vote for your favorites. The nominees for this year include:

- 5 Seconds of Summer - 5SOSFam
- Ariana Grand - Arianators
- Beyoncé - Beyhive
- Britney Spears - Britney Army
- Demi Lovato - Lovatics
- Fifth Harmony - Harmonizers
- Justin Bieber - Beliebers
- Katy Perry - KatyCats
- Lady Gaga - Little Monsters
- Rihanna - Rihanna Navy
- Selena Gomez - Selenators
- Shawn Mendes - Mendes Army
- twenty one pilots - #twentyonepilots 

Who do you think will win this year?

The event will be televised on TBS, TNT, truTV at 8 pm EST (or 5 pm PST). It will also be live streamed on iHeartRadio's simulcast. Will you be watching the awards this year? I know, I will. For more information about iHeartRadio's 2017 Music Awards visit the official website today. #iHeartRadio

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