The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival, presented by Capital One, concluded a two-day event in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 19th and 20th. Held at T-Mobile Arena, the festival featured performances from major artists across various genres. Key moments included surprise medleys, nostalgic throwbacks, and dynamic stage collaborations that captivated the audience.
The lineup showcased a diverse range of talent, including Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey, Maroon 5, Jelly Roll, LL COOL J, and Tate McRae. The event delivered many memorable instances, from unexpected song covers to powerful vocal performances and energetic dance routines. Fans who missed the live shows can view a special highlight broadcast on Hulu starting Thursday, October 2nd.
Key Takeaways
- Jelly Roll performed a multi-genre medley, surprising the audience.
- Tate McRae delivered an emotional rendition of her breakthrough hit.
- Sammy Hagar showcased his rock legacy with fan-favorite guitar solos.
- BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman collaborated on their track "All The Way."
- Maroon 5 performed a rare acoustic version of "She Will Be Loved."
- LL COOL J closed his set with an explosive medley of his iconic hip-hop hits.
Jelly Roll's Surprise Medley Performance
Jelly Roll delivered a standout performance that included a unique, genre-spanning medley. During his set, the artist transitioned between several well-known songs from different musical styles. This unexpected segment became a significant talking point among festival attendees.
Performance Highlights
- Nickelback: "How You Remind Me"
- Lynyrd Skynyrd: "Sweet Home Alabama"
- DMX: "Party Up"
- Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa: "Young, Wild & Free"
- Miley Cyrus: "Flowers"
The combination of these diverse tracks created an engaging and memorable experience for the T-Mobile Arena audience. Fans reacted positively to the artist's versatility and his ability to blend various musical influences seamlessly into his set.
Tate McRae's Emotional Set
Tate McRae took the stage, opening her performance with "Sports Car" from her latest album, So Close to What. Her set continued with an emotional rendition of "You Broke Me First," a song she described as having significantly impacted her career. This track comes from her 2021 EP, Too Young to Be Sad.
"This is the song that kinda changed my life," Tate McRae stated while performing "You Broke Me First."
The performance featured solo vocals, purple lighting, and a hazy stage atmosphere, enhancing the song's emotional depth. McRae also included "Run for the Hills" from her 2023 album, Think Later, and "Exes," where bursts of flames accompanied her expression of past relationships.
Artist Background
Tate McRae gained prominence with her hit single "You Broke Me First," which achieved global success. Her music often explores themes of relationships and self-discovery, resonating with a wide audience. She has released several EPs and albums, establishing herself as a prominent figure in contemporary pop music.
Rock Legends Take the Stage
Sammy Hagar's Iconic Guitar Performance
Sammy Hagar, a renowned rock musician, delivered a powerful performance, showcasing his guitar skills and engaging the crowd with classic hits. His set included fan favorites such as "Right Now," "I Can't Drive Route 55," "Heavy Metal," and "Thank You." Hagar's energetic stage presence underscored his status as a rock icon.
Bryan Adams' Nostalgic and Energetic Set
Bryan Adams offered a blend of his classic and more recent songs, providing a fitting close to the 'Summer of '25.' His performance featured popular tracks like "Run to You," "Somebody," and "Roll With the Punches." Adams also delighted the audience with nostalgic hits, including "Heaven" and "Summer of '69," which garnered strong audience participation.
Collaborations and DJ Sets
BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman's Joint Performance
BigXthaPlug made his iHeartRadio Music Festival debut, performing alongside Bailey Zimmerman. The Texas native, who recently cut his signature dreadlocks, opened his set with "Change Me," followed by other popular tracks like "Whip It" and "Levels." Midway through, Bailey Zimmerman joined him on stage for their collaboration, "All The Way," from BigXthaPlug's new rap-country album, I Hope You're Happy.
Diplo's Energetic DJ Set with Bailey Zimmerman
Diplo transformed the T-Mobile Arena into a large club environment with his energetic DJ set. He performed some of his well-known hits, including "On My Mind" and "Where Are Ü Now." The set also featured popular tracks from other artists such as Pitbull and Black Eyed Peas. To conclude his performance, Diplo brought out Bailey Zimmerman to perform their collaborative summer anthem, "Ashes."
Justice Delivers Vibrant Electronic Set
The award-winning duo Justice, composed of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, brought a dynamic electronic performance to the festival. Their set incorporated elements of rock, funk, and disco. They included nods to iconic songs like Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" and The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry." Justice also performed their own career-spanning hits, such as "Neverender," "One Night/All Night," and their Grammy-nominated single "D.A.N.C.E." from 2007.
Maroon 5 and LL COOL J Deliver Closing Moments
Maroon 5's Special Acoustic Performance
Maroon 5 concluded their set with a special acoustic performance of "She Will Be Loved." Adam Levine, the band's frontman, described it as an "old, old song" that they rarely perform at major shows, calling it "special" to the group. Levine and guitarist James Valentine performed the acoustic rendition from their album Songs About Jane, with the crowd singing along. The full band then rejoined for a final chorus, ending their performance on a high note.
LL COOL J's Explosive Hip-Hop Medley
Hip-hop icon LL COOL J delivered an explosive medley of his hits. His set began with a video featuring a young boy singing Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds," followed by LL COOL J's grand entrance to his 1987 classic, "I Need Love." This song is widely recognized as a foundational track for hip-hop love songs. He continued with energetic renditions of "Mama Said Knock You Out," "Luv U Better," and "I'm Bad." LL COOL J concluded his performance by declaring himself "The G.O.A.T." (Greatest Of All Time), performing the title track from his 2000 album, G.O.A.T. Featuring James T. Smith The Greatest Of All Time.
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival provided numerous memorable moments, solidifying its reputation as a premier music event. The diverse lineup and unexpected performances ensured a captivating experience for all attendees.
