iHeartRadio and Pollstar are putting the spotlight on live music in a major way, announcing the nominees for the first-ever Fan Favorite Live Performer of the Year award. The new category celebrates the artists who have defined the concert experience over the past year, giving fans the power to recognize the performers who truly shine on stage.

The fan-voted honor highlights the growing importance of live touring in today’s music landscape, where artists are connecting with audiences on a global scale through massive tours and unforgettable performances. From stadium-filling superstars to genre-defining acts, the nominees represent some of the most impactful live entertainers in the world—those whose shows go beyond music and become full-scale cultural moments.

The nominees for Fan Favorite Live Performer of the Year are Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, Morgan Wallen, Oasis, Beyoncé, The Weeknd and Bad Bunny.

The collaboration between iHeartRadio and Pollstar marks a unique crossover between broadcast media and the live entertainment industry. Known for tracking touring data and concert success, Pollstar brings its expertise in live performance to the iHeartRadio Music Awards ecosystem, further emphasizing the role of touring as a driving force in modern music.

The announcement comes on the heels of the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, which celebrated the biggest artists and songs of the past year while continuing to expand its fan-driven categories. Fan voting has become a cornerstone of the show, allowing listeners to directly influence outcomes across multiple categories and strengthening the connection between artists and their audiences.

With the addition of the Fan Favorite Live Performer of the Year award, that connection is taken even further—honoring not just what fans hear, but what they experience in person. As live music continues to thrive and evolve, this new category underscores one simple truth: for many fans, the most unforgettable moments happen not on playlists, but on stage.

Dana Tyson