The Biggest Moments and Winners of the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Char Little

From Katy Perry’s very interesting opening to Chance the Rapper being crowned the best new hip-hop artist, the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards was truly one to remember as it aired on Sunday, March 5.

Perry kicked off the show with an unforgettable performance that many fans are still talking about – but not necessarily in a positive way. Let’s just say a huge hamster was involved as she belted out some of her latest single, “Chained to the Rhythm.” This was her third time performing the song after the Grammy Awards and the Brit Awards. This time around, it was a little lackluster and Perry probably should have adapted the less is more perspective for a better performance.

None other than Justin Timberlake won the first award of the night for Song of the Year thanks to his mega hit, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” The song, featured in the movie “Trolls” has helped Timberlake see a new level of success and he decided to use a moment during his thank you speech to inspire inclusion.

“If you are black or you are brown,  gay,  lesbian or trans, or maybe you’re just a sissy singing boy from Tennessee,” said Timberlake. “Anyone that is treating you unkindly, it is only because they are afraid or they have been taught to be afraid of how important you are because being different means you make the difference.”

Chance the Rapper also brought a little inspiration to the iHeartRadio Music Awards as he took home the award for Best New Hip-Hop Artist. He was up against Kevin Gates, Desiigner, Kent Jones and D.R.A.M. This award season has certainly been a great one for the Chicago native as he also won three Grammys in February.

Major winners of the night were Adele for Female Artist of the Year, Justin Bieber for Male Artist of the Year, Twenty One Pilots for Best Duo/Group of the Year as well as Alternative Rock Song of the Year for “Heathens,” and Alternative Rock Artist of the Year. The Chainsmokers won Dance Artist of the Year and Drake’s “One Dance,” featuring Wizkid and Kyla won Hip-Hop Song of the Year.

Bruno Mars also won big, as he was given the prestigious Innovators Award.  “I’m just getting started. So, buckle up. I don’t know where we’re going yet but we’re going — keep up,” said Mars. He also thanked his band for coming along for the ride.

He was said to have the best performance of the night as he performed his hit “Treasure,” and his new single, “That’s What I Like.” The audience loved it as A-listers were spotted singing along to the hit.

Other notable performances include Ed Sheeran as he sang “Shape of You,” and “Castle on a Hill.” While DJ Khaled introduced and gushed about hanging out with singing sensation Sheeran, all eyes were on Khaled’s four-month-old son, Asahd, who accompanied him on stage. Big Sean also hit the stage and rapped his latest singles, “Bounce Back,” and “Moves.” Chris Martin’s performance with Chainsmokers was definitely a highlight for the evening as well. His acceptance speech for Coldplay’s Best Tour Award was made complete with children, as Martin was the only member of the band who could make it. Miley Cyrus’ introduction to her baby sister Noah Cyrus’ performance with Labyrinth was also pretty amazing.

The complete iHeartRadio Music Award winner list is available on their official site.