iHeartMedia

Kaleidoscope expands Easter’s viral #1 wellness newsletter “Two Percent” into a fun, science-backed, and highly practical show, cutting through today’s overwhelming health advice

New episodes publish every Tuesday and Thursday

Watch the trailer HERE; Listen to the podcast HERE

Download show art HERE (Photo Credit: Kaleidoscope & iHeartPodcasts); Download host photo HERE (Photo Credit: Mike Blabac)

NEW YORK, NY – March 31, 2026 – Kaleidoscope, the New York-based media company redefining science and technology storytelling, today announced a historic new partnership with New York Times bestselling author and journalist Michael Easter to expand his viral wellness newsletter Two Percent into a twice-weekly video and audio podcast series, Two Percent with Michael Easter. 

The series marks Kaleidoscope’s first video-native podcast launch as the company cements its evolution into a multi-format science and technology media brand and joins Kaleidoscope’s slate of acclaimed science and technology content, including TechStuff, No Such Thing, and Shell Game. 

Episode 1 will air on Tuesday, April 7, with new episodes releasing every Tuesday and Thursday. Two Percent with Michael Easter is a Kaleidoscope production, distributed by iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher according to Podtrac. 

Two Percent with Michael Easter builds on the momentum of Easter’s massively successful Two Percent Subtack newsletter, which reaches more than 150,000 subscribers and is the #1 wellness newsletter on social media. The podcast advances the form into a dynamic, accessible format that blends storytelling, research, humor, and actionable challenges designed for real life.

At a time when wellness culture often promotes complicated routines and endless optimization, Two Percent with Michael Easter takes a different approach. The show is built around a simple idea: small, deliberate actions, the “two percent” shifts most people avoid, can create outsized change in health, performance, and meaning. Each week, Easter examines the most pressing questions in modern health and performance. On Tuesdays, he sits down with leading thinkers, researchers, athletes, and cultural figures to unpack pivotal moments and hard-earned lessons. On Thursdays, he breaks down viral trends, new studies, and controversial health claims, translating research into clear, entertaining, and actionable takeaways listeners can apply immediately.

“Two Percent with Michael Easter marks a major step in Kaleidoscope’s strategic 2026 rollout of IP expansion, video-native formats, and multi-platform content,” said Oz Woloshyn, Co-founder of Kaleidoscope. “As the trusted home of science and technology storytelling, Kaleidoscope continues to partner with the industry’s most respected voices like Michael Easter, Walter Isaacson, Alice Hines, Zoë Lescaze, and Evan Ratliff to develop must-engage video and audio series. We look forward to partnering with Michael to delve deeper into his Two Percent newsletter, bringing even greater depth and insight to audiences while answering the most pressing questions in modern health today.” 

Michael Easter is the New York Times bestselling author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, and his reporting has appeared in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Esquire, Outside, ESPN’s 538, Vice, and other major publications. He has been a guest on leading podcasts and television shows, including The Joe Rogan Experience, NPR’s Here & Now, The Rich Roll Podcast, The Huberman Lab Podcast, CBS Saturday Morning, and Good Morning America. Across platforms, Easter reaches more than 300,000 followers on social media and a wide-ranging audience of driven professionals, endurance athletes, military members, entrepreneurs, and everyday listeners seeking more meaning and better health.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Kaleidoscope. Their team brings strong journalistic judgement and incredible audio and video storytelling that will help me reach new audiences,” said Michael Easter, Host of Two Percent. “Together we’ll deliver actionable insights backed by science, rooted in story, and optimized to work for real people in the real world. And we’ll have a lot of fun along the way.”

Two Percent with Michael Easter is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and joins Kaleidoscope’s growing slate of premium science and technology storytelling. New episodes will be available every Tuesday and Thursday on the iHeartRadio app, and everywhere podcasts are heard. Video content is available for download on Easter’s YouTube channel.

For more information on Kaleidoscope, please visit www.k-scope.com. 

Editor’s Note

Include the Two Percent with Michael Easter podcast player directly into your article or website using the below embed code:

<iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="200" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-two-percent-with-michael-327186583/…" frameborder="0"></iframe> 

About Michael Easter

Michael Easter is the New York Times bestselling author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, and writes the #1 Health and Wellness Substack newsletter, Two Percent with Michael Easter. He travels the world to uncover practical, science-backed ideas that help us live healthier, happier, and more resilient lives. His work has been published in more than 100 countries. His ideas have been featured in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal and been adopted by professional sports teams, NASA, Tier-1 military units, Fortune 500 companies, and leading universities. Visit eastermichael.com or TWOPCT.com for more information.

About Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is a genre-defining media company, using human storytelling to transport audiences to the frontiers of discovery. Founded in 2022 by Oz Woloshyn and Mangesh Hattikudur, Kaleidoscope's network of science and technology programming works to make the most important ideas of our time accessible, engaging, and emotionally resonant — for everyone who wants a stake in this new future. Today, the network reaches millions and is home to hit shows including On Musk: with Walter Isaacson and The Last Soviet: with Lance Bass. Visit www.k-scope.com for more information.

WHAT:  iHeartPodcasts and Best Case Studios today announced “Rorschach: Muder at City Hall,” a 10-episode investigative true crime podcast series. 

July 2003, New York City Hall, downtown Manhattan. Two men arrive together and are ushered past the metal detectors. Both men are Black, handsome and wearing a suit. Both are carrying concealed weapons. Within an hour, both men are dead. Over 200 witnesses watched as Niel Askew shot former New York City police officer and current Councilman James E. Davis multiple times in the back in the balcony of the Council Chamber, and was then gunned down himself by a New City City cop on the security detail. 

The story shocks the city. Then details emerge, and rumors begin to circulate. All that summer, the two men had been seen around Brooklyn together: in Davis’ office, at political events across the city, getting haircuts at a barbershop. So, what was the true nature of their relationship? But despite this very public assassination, the story is now almost completely forgotten, along with the mystery of what really happened between Niel Askew and James Davis. 

Throughout 10 thirty-minutes episodes, “Rorschach: Murder at City Hall” explores double lives and fatal ambition, and how the destinies of these two men became entwined, along with the mystery behind this dramatic tragedy. But this is more than a murder story: it’s an investigation into an act of violence  -- one that takes listeners into the underbelly of New York City politics, where ambition and desperation are often two sides of the same coin. 

Executive producers are Brent Katz and Adam Pincus for Best Case Studios. The show is based on original reporting by journalist Brent Katz. Original Music by Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio and Wilder Zoby.

Episode 1: Shots Fired

Episode 2: How Could This Happen in City Hall?

Episode 3: A Victim of Blackmail

Episode 4: Niel’s Secret

Episode 5: Friends and Enemies

Episode 6: A City in Crisis

Episode 7: James Meets Niel

Episode 8: The Last Day

Episode 9: The Empty Seat 

Episode 10: It Stays with You

WHO: Host Jamal Jordan is a journalist and mixed-media documentarian, former editor at The Washington Post. Jordan has worked at The New York Times and was a video producer at Vice and NBC News and elsewhere. He is the author of Queer Love in Color (Penguin Random House), a photographic celebration of the love and relationships of queer people of color. He lives in Brooklyn and lectures at Stanford University. Jordan also has a large following online, with over 69K followers on X. (former Twitter)  

Journalist Brent Katz has produced podcasts for Audible, iHeartRadio, Spotify and elsewhere. He has written for the New York Times Magazine, the New Yorker, the Paris Review among others. “Rorschach: Murder at City Hall” began as his thesis at Columbia Journalism School. His debut short film, JOSH’S WEDDING, is coming out through the New Yorker. 

WHEN: “Rorschach: Murder at City Hall” will be available March 25th, with new episodes launching every Wednesday. Listen to the official trailer now. 

WHERE:  “Rorschach: Murder at City Hall” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Episodes available one week early to subscribers of iHeart’s True Crime+ channel on Apple Podcasts. Follow @bestcasestudios on Instagram for updates.

The awards show featured performances by Alex Warren, John Mellencamp, Kehlani, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, and performing for the first time together, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue

Taylor Swift took home the most awards with seven total wins at this year’s award show

NEW YORK - March 26, 2026 - The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards gathered some of the most iconic artists on Thursday, March 26 to celebrate the best in music. Hosted by Ludacris, the event took place at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, aired LIVE on FOX and also broadcasted live on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app. The event is available to stream next day on Hulu. The awards show featured performances by Alex Warren, John Mellencamp, Kehlani, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, and performing for the first time together, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.

iHeartRadio Music Awards featured special appearances by guests including Taylor Swift, the show’s most-nominated artist, who took home seven awards, along with Alysa Liu, NE-YO, Nicole Scherzinger, Nikki Glaser, Shaboozey, sombr, Teddi Mellencamp, Vin Diesel and Weezer.

John Mellencamp was honored with the 2026 iHeartRadio Icon Award, Ludacris received the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award, Miley Cyrus was honored with the 2026 iHeartRadio Innovator Award and Alex Warren received the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award.

Ahead of the iHeartRadio Music Awards at this year’s red carpet Alex Warren, Chase Matthew, JENEVIEVE, Sailor, sombr and Return to Dust all were presented with iHeartRadio On The Verge Awards.

Additional highlights included:

• Ludacris welcomed the audience and viewers to the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. 
• Alex Warren transformed the stage into a New York subway scene to perform his hits “Ordinary” and “Fever Dream” before accepting the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year award. 
• Jason Aldean introduced Lainey Wilson who captivated the crowd with her performance of “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” “Hang Tight Honey” and “Heart Like A Truck.” After her performance, Lainey Wilson presented Miley Cyrus with the 2026 iHeartRadio Innovator Award, calling her one of her biggest inspirations.
• Performing together for the first time TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue had the crowd singing along to a melody of “Hold On,” “Waterfalls,” “Shoop,” “What A Man,” “Scrubs,” “Free Your Mind,” “Push It” and “What About Your Friends,” giving fans a taste of their upcoming tour.
• Shaboozey presented Best New Artist (Country) to Ella Langley, who accepted the award from one of her biggest fans on stage.
• Teddi Mellencamp and her Dad, John Mellencamp shared a heartfelt moment on stage as she presented him with the 2026 iHeartRadio Icon Award. Teddi grew emotional as she talked about how her father has supported her through the years, her cancer battle and how his lyrics always help her. John immediately gave the award back to his daughter, dedicating it to her and reflecting on his 50-year career, wishing new artists enjoy their career just as much as he did.
• After receiving his award, John Mellencamp had the crowd on their feet for a special performance of “Jack and Diane” and “Pink Houses.”
• RAYE presented Taylor Swift with Pop Album of the Year, who thanked her fans and her fiancé Travis Kelce for making every day happy. 
• Kehlani performed her hit “Folded” before accepting R&B Song of the Year from NE-YO. She thanked her fans for always being with her throughout the ups and downs of her career, and said her new record feels like a win for them all.
• Weezer’s Brian Bell and Rivers Cuomo presented sombr with iHeartRadio Music Awards Alternative Album of the Year. sombr also took home the iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Artist (Alternative) and was presented with two iHeartRadio On The Verge Awards while on the red carpet.
• Vin Diesel presented host Ludacris with the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award.
• Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy introduced RAYE, who kept the energy up with her hit “Where Is My Husband!”
• Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu presented Taylor Swift with her seventh award of the night, the Artist of the Year Award and recapped her other wins, which were Pop Album of the Year, Album of the Year, Pop Song of the Year, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video and Favorite Tour Style.
• Ludacris performed a melody of his fan favorites “Pull Over,” “Rollout,” “Money Maker,” “My Chick Bad,” “Stand Up” and “Move B****.”
• Nikki Glaser presented Alex Warren with Song of the Year, for his hit “Ordinary.” In addition to the Song of the Year and the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award, Alex also took home iHeartRadio Music Awards for Best New Artist (Pop) and Favorite Debut Album, and on the red carpet he was presented with the iHeartRadio On The Verge Award. 

Category winners are: 

Song of the Year:        

• “Ordinary” – Alex Warren

Artist of the Year:

• Taylor Swift

Album of the Year: 

• “The Life of a Showgirl” - Taylor Swift 

Duo/Group of the Year:

• The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI

Best Collaboration:

• “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

Pop Artist of the Year:

• Sabrina Carpenter

 Pop Song of the Year:

• “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift

Pop Album of the Year: 

• “The Life of a Showgirl”- Taylor Swift 

Best New Artist (Pop):

• Alex Warren

Alternative Artist of the Year:

• twenty one pilots

Alternative Song of the Year:

• “Ensenada” – Sublime 

Alternative Album of the Year:

• “I Barely Know Her” - sombr

Best New Artist (Alternative):

• sombr

Rock Artist of the Year:

• Shinedown

Rock Song of the Year:

• “Heavy Is the Crown” – Linkin Park

Best New Artist (Rock):

• Sleep Theory

Country Artist of the Year:

• Morgan Wallen

Country Song of the Year:

• “Good News” – Shaboozey

Country Album of the Year: 

• “I'm The Problem” - Morgan Wallen 

Best New Artist (Country):

• Ella Langley

Dance Artist of the Year:

• David Guetta

Dance Song of the Year:

• “No Broke Boys” – Disco Lines & Tinashe

Dance Album of the Year:

• “MAYHEM” - Lady Gaga 

K-pop Artist of the Year:

• ROSÉ

K-pop Group of the Year:

• Stray Kids 

K-pop Song of the Year:

• “Golden” – The Singing Voice of HUNTR/X: EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI

K-pop Album of the Year:

• “Ruby” - Jennie 

Best New Artist (K-pop):

• Cortis

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year:

• Kendrick Lamar

Hip-Hop Song of the Year:

• “luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA

Hip-Hop Album of the Year:

• “GNX”– Kendrick Lamar 

Best New Artist (Hip-Hop):

• MOLIY

R&B Artist of the Year:

• Chris Brown

R&B Song of the Year:

• “Folded” – Kehlani

R&B Album of the Year:

• “PHOLKS”- Leon Thomas 

Best New Artist (R&B):

• Leon Thomas

World Artist of the Year:

• MOLIY

Latin Pop/Urban Artist of the Year:

• Bad Bunny

Latin Pop/Urban Song of the Year:

• “DtMF” – Bad Bunny

 Latin Pop/Urban Album of the Year:

• “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”- Bad Bunny 

Best New Artist (Latin Pop/Urban):

• Beéle

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year:

• Grupo Frontera

Regional Mexican Song of the Year:

• “Amor Bonito” – Luis Angel “El Flaco”

 Regional Mexican Album of the Year: 

• “111XPANTIA” - Fuerza Regida 

Best New Artist (Regional Mexican):

• Los Dos De Tamaulipas

Producer of the Year:

• Andrew Watt

Songwriter of the Year:

• Amy Allen

Label of the Year:

• Interscope Capitol  

Tour of the Year:

• The Weeknd

Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category 

• “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift

Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Category 

• “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift

Favorite Tour Photographer: *Socially Voted Category 

• Rahul Bhatt for KATSEYE

Favorite On Screen: *Socially Voted Category 

• Jimin and Jungkook, “Are You Sure?!”

Favorite Soundtrack: *Socially Voted Category 

• “KPop Demon Hunters”

Favorite Tour Style: *Socially Voted Category 

• Taylor Swift, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour”

(New for 2026) Favorite TikTok Dance: *Socially Voted Category 

• “MONA LISA” – j-hope

Favorite Tour Tradition: *Socially Voted Category 

• Coldplay, Crowd cam

(New for 2026) Favorite K-pop Collab: *Socially Voted Category 

• “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)” – j-hope, Miguel

Favorite Broadway Debut: *Socially Voted Category 

• Tom Felton, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”

(New for 2026) Favorite Debut Album: *Socially Voted Category 

• Alex Warren, “You'll Be Alright, Kid”

Executive producers for the iHeartRadio Music Awards are Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jeannaé Rouzan-Clay for Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE); John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Bart Peters for iHeartMedia; and FOX Entertainment Studios.

Proud partners of this year’s event on iHeart’s platforms include H&R Block, She Rises Studios, and Trashie.

Photos:

Password: iHRMA03262026!

Photo credit in caption: (ie: Rachel Kaplan for iHeartRadio)

• Show: https://iheartradio.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000rOrkACYmN9I/G0000rTEAAqF8xOM/Best-Of-The-2026-iHeartRadio-Music-Awards 
• Red Carpet: https://iheartradio.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000zq1JaTq0kLI/G0000SPTl2240w04/Red-Carpet 
• Winners Walk:https://iheartradio.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000zq1JaTq0kLI/G00003Kd6gUauE18/Winners-Walk 

B-roll:

• Red Carpet: HERE 
• Show + Winners Walk: HERE 

America250 Names iHeartMedia an Official Audio Partner, Creating a Unified National Listening Experience for the Fourth of July

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 26, 2026 – America250, the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with leading the celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, today launched the official 100-day countdown to the Fourth of July with a wave of national announcements previewing how Americans can celebrate the week of July 4.

America250 unveiled the first five host cities for July 3-4 “America’s Block Party” events, alongside a historic call to action to give back for the 4th and new ways to participate.

Attend America’s Block Party: July 3-4 Lineup

“America250 is creating the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in U.S. history through America’s Block Party,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “The Fourth of July has long been synonymous with neighborhood block parties – we’re turning up the volume on this beloved tradition by scaling it into a nationwide celebration anchored in live music.”

All 350 million Americans can take part in the shared experience by attending America’s Block Party events or tuning into the livestream on the iHeartRadio app from their own neighborhood gatherings.

• New York – Historic July 3 Times Square Ball Drop: For the first time in its 120-year history, the Times Square Ball will drop outside of New Year’s Eve. On July 3 at 11:59 p.m. ET, the Ball will illuminate in a custom America250 design before descending at midnight into July 4. The Ball’s crystals for 2026 were custom-made for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring three distinct designs – Infinite Life (1.5-inch), Infinite Liberty (3-inch), and Infinite Happiness (4-inch). Each design features interwoven curves and circular motifs to reflect the shared ideals at the heart of America’s story.
• Los Angeles – July 4 Concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: On July 4, America250 will host a family-friendly concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, bringing together major musical artists and patriotic tributes for an in-person audience up to 50,000 and a nationwide livestream audience. Headlining talent will be announced in the coming weeks.
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin – America’s Block Party at Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance: Set along Lake Michigan, Summerfest will serve as an official America250 Block Party location, welcoming fans from across the country for its July 4 celebration presented by Harley-Davidson. The event will feature a full day of live music, including performances by Jelly Roll, Sam Barber, The Temper Trap, BoDeans, Soul Asylum, Joywave, Jonah Kagen, and more.
• Fort Campbell, Kentucky – Fort Campbell Festival: The home of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), will host a July 4 festival for military families and the public, featuring The Legend of Charlie Daniels Tribute Concert with special guests Aaron Tippin, Eric Lee Beddingfield, and the 101st Airborne Division Band. Expected to draw more than 100,000 attendees, the event is powered by Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram, and produced by Fort Campbell MWR, 8 Track Entertainment, and MOTR Music.
• Charleston, SC – SC250 Charleston will host an Independence Day Celebration in Waterfront Park: Charleston played a crucial role in the American Revolution and in advancing the nation's founding ideals. The Independence Day celebration on the waterfront will feature a peninsula-wide fireworks display, the largest in the Southeast.

More details, ticket information, and additional city announcements will be available at America250.org.

Host a Block Party and Tune in to iHeartMedia

Americans can also register to host official neighborhood events at America250.org to receive a digital toolkit with signage, celebration ideas and games. Because no block party is complete without music, America250 also announced iHeartMedia as an official audio partner of the Semiquincentennial.

America250 and iHeart will bring the sounds of the celebration to every American. As the largest audio company in the United States, iHeartMedia is listened to by more than 250 million Americans every month across its broadcast radio network, streaming and digital platforms.

“iHeartMedia reaches 90 percent of Americans every month, and we are honored to partner with America250 to use the unique scale and reach of our broadcast radio and digital platforms to connect communities across America, helping to bring this once-in-a-generation celebration to life in a way that reflects the spirit of the moment,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia.

Through this partnership, Americans will tune into a unified national audio experience on July 3-4, connecting celebrations from coast to coast through one shared soundtrack.

“Celebration” added to America’s Soundtrack

As part of 4th of July celebrations, America250 is releasing a new song in America’s Soundtrack. Led by executive producer Emilio Estefan, the initiative brings together iconic artists across genres and generations to create a defining musical collection for the Semiquincentennial.

To mark the 100-day countdown, Estefan announced that Kool & The Gang will release a new version of their iconic hit “Celebration,” a song widely associated with moments of joy and unity.

“You don’t have a party without music, and the party always gets going with a song everyone knows. ‘Celebration’ is one of those songs,” said Estefan. “The second it plays, you feel it. This new version is about igniting that feeling across the country and celebrating the 250th together.”

"It is a pleasure and an honor to be working with my brother Emilio Estefan on a new version of our No. 1 song ‘Celebration’ for America's Soundtrack Album commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States,” said Robert Kool Bell, leader and only remaining founding member of Kool & The Gang. “Get ready to Celebrate Good Times Come On!"

Additional America’s Soundtrack songs will continue to roll out throughout 2026, building toward a defining musical moment for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Give Back: The Start of a New Fourth of July Tradition

As part of the Semiquincentennial, America250 is expanding its America Gives initiative to launch Giving 4th, a national effort to make July 4 not only a day of celebration, but a defining moment of giving back.

Building on the strong momentum of America Gives, which has already generated millions of volunteer hours nationwide, Giving 4th invites Americans to support causes they care about as part of the country’s 250th birthday.

“Our goal is to transform July 4, 2026 into the largest single day of charitable giving in U.S. history,” said Chair Rios. “Our ambition is to establish July 4th as a permanent national tradition of giving–on par with the holidays, but uniquely American in spirit.”

More details on how to donate on July 4 are coming soon.

More Ways to Participate (July 3-5)

In addition to America’s Block Party and the national give-back effort, America250 is activating partners across sports, culture, and history to ensure every American has a way to get involved.

• Major League Baseball is scheduled to host 15 games at 15 ballparks, giving Americans across the country the opportunity to enjoy the National Pastime on the Fourth of July.
• America’s Time Capsule will be publicly displayed in Philadelphia before being ceremonially buried at Independence National Historical Park on July 4. The capsule will remain sealed until 2276.
• The International Parade of Tall Ships hosted by Sail4th 250 will feature more than 46 tall ships parading into the Port of New York and New Jersey on July 4th. The ships will remain for four days of free public visitation. 
• America’s Birthday Cake, inspired by America’s Field Trip and created by fine art cake artist and entrepreneur Grace “Grey” Pak of Duchess of Cameron and Netflix’s Is It Cake?, will be unveiled in Washington, D.C. on July 4 – blending artistry, precision and patriotic storytelling into an unforgettable centerpiece.
• America’s Day of Reflection on July 5 will include America’s Potluck, a call for communities to come together and share a meal, presented by the America250 Utah Commission. Additional events coordinated by State and Territory Commissions will invite Americans to connect, reflect, and look ahead to the country’s next chapter.

America250 Drives Momentum from Sea to Shining Sea

The 100-day countdown begins as America250 continues to build nationwide momentum. In the first few months of 2026, America250 has shown up in some of the biggest moments in culture and sports, from ringing in the New Year in Times Square and appearing in the Rose Parade, to the NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl. In addition to these moments, America250 continues to drive participation across its values-based programming:

• Received thousands of student entries for America’s Field Trip and America’s Startup.
• Expanded stops on the Our American Story tour to preserve stories from Americans across the country to include new stops with founding sponsor Walmart.
• Built the Congressional America250 Caucus to more than 380 members, making it the largest bipartisan caucus in U.S. history.

About America250

America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

Previously Announced Appearances Include 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards Most-nominated Artist Taylor Swift, Along with Alysa Liu, NE-YO, Nicole Scherzinger, Nikki Glaser, sombr and Weezer

Hosted by Ludacris, the Event Features Previously Announced Performances by Alex Warren, John Mellencamp, Kehlani, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, and Performing for the First Time Together, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue

NEW YORK- March 24, 2026- iHeartMedia and FOX Entertainment announced today that the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will feature special appearances by Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Shaboozey, Teddi Mellencamp and Vin Diesel. Teddi Mellencamp will present John Mellencamp with the 2026 iHeartRadio Icon Award. They join previously announced special guests including Taylor Swift, the show’s most-nominated artist, along with Alysa Liu, NE-YO, Nicole Scherzinger, Nikki Glaser, sombr and Weezer.

The 13th annual award show will air live from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 26 (8-10 p.m. ET live / PT tape-delayed) on FOX and will also be heard on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.

Hosted by Ludacris, the event will feature previously announced performances by Alex Warren, John Mellencamp, Kehlani, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, and performing for the first time together, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.

Additionally, as previously announced, John Mellencamp will be honored with the 2026 iHeartRadio Icon Award, Ludacris will receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award, Miley Cyrus will be honored with the 2026 iHeartRadio Innovator Award and Alex Warren will receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award.

The 13th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards will celebrate the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2025, while also offering a preview of the upcoming hits of 2026. The show will feature award presentations in multiple categories, live performances from the biggest artists in music, surprise guests and collaborations, and will showcase the stories of the winning artists’ road to No. 1.

Artists receiving several nominations include Alex Warren, Bad Bunny, Benson Boone, BLACKPINK, Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, Ella Langley, GloRilla, Grupo Frontera, HUNTR/X: EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, Jelly Roll, JENNIE, j-hope, KATSEYE, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Linkin Park, LISA, Mariah the Scientist, MOLIY, Morgan Wallen, Myles Smith, RAYE, ROSÉ, Sabrina Carpenter, Shinedown, sombr, SZA, Tate McRae, Taylor Swift, Twenty One Pilots and Zara Larsson. 

For a full list of categories, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards.

Executive producers for the iHeartRadio Music Awards are Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jeannaé Rouzan-Clay for Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE); John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Bart Peters for iHeartMedia; and FOX Entertainment Studios.

Proud partners of this year’s event on iHeart’s platforms include H&R Block, She Rises Studios, and Trashie with more to be announced.

B-roll of the Dolby Theatre BTS: HERE.

Artists and/or events subject to change or cancellation without notice. 

About FOX Entertainment

With a legacy spanning nearly 40 years, FOX Entertainment is one of the world’s most recognizable media brands and a prolific content producer across its iconic broadcast network and both owned and third-party platforms worldwide. Known for its independent, innovative spirit and provocative, groundbreaking storytelling, the company includes three key business units: FOX Television Network, FOX Entertainment Studios and worldwide content sales and licensing unit FOX Entertainment Global.

While maintaining its leadership in linear television with an exceptional slate of original series – including Doc, Extracted, Memory of a Killer, The Masked Singer, The Floor, The Simpsons, Animal Control, Going Dutch, Murder in a Small Town, Hell’s Kitchen and LEGO Masters – FOX Entertainment is growing its portfolio of studio engines, business operations and library of owned original content. 

 

To date, the FOX Entertainment Studios division includes its in-house unscripted studio with hits The Masked Singer, I Can See Your Voice and Name That Tune, and scripted content studio featuring comedies Animal Control and Going Dutch and signature drama series Best Medicine, The Faithful, The Way Home and The Chicken Sisters. The unit also oversees the award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment with animated comedies including Krapopolis, Grimsburg, Hazbin Hotel and Universal Basic Guys; entertainment platform TMZ with its tentpole primetime series TMZ Investigates; its new independent film label Tideline Entertainment with inaugural releases including First Time Female Director, Ponyboi and Slanted; and the culinary and lifestyle content venture Studio Ramsay Global in partnership with iconic chef Gordon Ramsay, featuring food-themed original series on FOX such as Next Level Chef, Kitchen Nightmares and Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, as well as the new next-gen global food brand and entertainment platform Bite, No Taste Like Home on Disney+, Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars on Apple+ and a new untitled Gordon Ramsay documentary series on Netflix in early 2026.

 

As a global content creator and production partner, FOX Entertainment Studios collaborates with studios and platforms worldwide, including Disney, Hulu, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures Television, Prime Video, Netflix, Apple+, Hallmark, Lifetime, TelevisaUnivision, UK’s Channel 4, France’s TF1, German’s ProSieben, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia’s Foxtel and FOX-owned streamer Tubi, among others.

 

About Jesse Collins Entertainment

Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service Emmy winning production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television's most memorable moments in music entertainment.  JCE's award-winning and critically acclaimed television includes programming from its four divisions—specials, sports, scripted and unscripted.  From the specials division: award shows—The Emmy Awards, The 2021 and 2022 American Music Awards, The 2022 Golden Globes, BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF's An Evening of Stars and ABFF Honors; specials—Jimmy Fallon's Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey (Primetime Emmy Award nominee), A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, Lil Rel Howery: I said it. Y'all thinking it., CNN's Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom, Martin: The Reunion, John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today, A GRAMMY Salute to the Sounds of Change, Stand Up for Heroes, Dear Mama, Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin', Def Comedy Jam 25, Leslie Jones: Time Machine, The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular and Rip the Runway.  From the sports division: Beyoncé Bowl at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans NFL 2024 Christmas Game (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The Super Bowl Halftime Show (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The 95th Major League Baseball All-Star Game Pre-Game Show, The 2025 World Series Game 1 Anthem, NFL Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show starring Jack White and Netflix’s Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party.  From the scripted division: scripted series—Real Husbands of Hollywood, American Soul and miniseries—The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story.  From the unscripted division: unscripted series – Heart & Hustle: Houston, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, Oh Hell No! With Marlon Wayans, Cardi Tries, My Killer Body with K. Michelle, DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic and Forward: The Future of Black Music, competition series—Hollywood Squares, Rhythm + Flow, Celebrity Squares, Becoming A Popstar, Sunday Best, Hip Hop Squares and Nashville Squares, talk shows – We Got Time Today, Yara Shahidi's Day Off and Face to Face with Becky G, and children's series—Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Daytime Emmy Award winner).  Emmy Award winner Jesse Collins is the Founder & CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment and executive producer of all JCE programming.  He is also an executive producer for the annual GRAMMY Awards and produced the 2021 Oscars.  Emmy winner Dionne Harmon is President.  Emmy nominee Jeannae Rouzan-Clay is Senior Vice President of Specials.

 

About The Dolby Theatre

One of the world’s premier entertainment venues, Dolby Theatre Hollywood, which turns 25 years-old in 2026, has hosted a range of notable international television specials and award events including NBC/Peacock networks’ first of its kind “Wicked: For Good” special November 6, featuring stars of the original movie, The Academy Awards, ABC’s Kelly & Mark ‘After Oscars Special’, the American Idol finals, AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards to Francis Ford Coppola, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, George Lucas and others, ESPN’s ESPY Awards, the BET Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, K-pop’s “MAMA” Awards, PaleyFest, Clio Awards, Netflix is a Joke Festival, America’s Got Talent and the Daytime Emmy Awards.

 

Many legendary artists, including Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Elvis Costello, Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder, Harry Connick, Jr., Melissa Etheridge, Dixie Chicks, Tyler Perry, and Louis C.K., Hillary Clinton book tour with Maria Shriver, and a host of touring productions, from “Dancing With The Stars Live” to “Annie,” “Hairspray,” “Tootsie” and “Rent,” have been featured on the Dolby stage.

 

NEW YORK- March 23, 2026 - In a move that could reshape how albums are introduced in the streaming era, iHeartMedia and TikTok debuted a next-generation release format that merges the scale of broadcast radio with the interactivity of a community-driven platform, delivering record-breaking results and outlining a new blueprint for artist launches moving forward. Building on the excitement around Bruno Mars’ first solo album in 10 years, the two companies partnered with Atlantic Records to launch “Romantic Radio with Bruno Mars: An iHeartRadio Album Preview,” which streamed LIVE on @brunomars, @iheartradio, and @tiktok, was promoted on more than 270 iHeartRadio stations, and broadcasted on more than 145 iHeartRadio stations nationwide on February 26.

How it worked:

For the early release of his new album, The Romantic, Bruno Mars invited fans to submit their love stories via the iHeartRadio app’s Talkback feature and on TikTok LIVE for a chance to receive song dedications and advice directly from Bruno. Surprise callers, including Victoria Monét, Anderson .Paak and ROSÉ further amplified the event’s cultural impact. During the program, Bruno debuted all nine songs from The Romantic, sharing the music directly with fans ahead of the album’s worldwide launch, and announced the video for “Risk It All” would be released alongside the album later that evening. iHeartMedia extended the debut into a multiweek celebration across 270+ iHeart stations, driving continuous storytelling, fan engagement, and on-air promotion, building momentum leading up to and following the album preview event.

The collaboration demonstrated how album release strategies are evolving. By integrating fan interaction, live broadcast distribution, and platform-native amplification, the event created a synchronized launch moment across platforms and delivered measurable engagement— bridging radio, social, and streaming in one unified moment and offering artists, labels, and brand partners a new framework for future launches.

“Bruno wanted the release of The Romantic to feel personal, and ‘Romantic Radio’ did exactly that. This was the first time he sat down to discuss the album, and it gave him the chance to share that moment directly with his fans,” said Aaron Elharar, Mars’ manager (Gorilla Management). “Partnering with iHeartMedia and TikTok enabled us to make that connection truly count, turning one live conversation into a global event.”

The result:

iHeartMedia drove over 3 billion impressions during this campaign across its full range of assets, which included broadcast radio promotion, social media, and digital promotion to the “Romantic Radio with Bruno Mars: An iHeartRadio Album Preview” event, which streamed live on TikTok and on iHeart stations nationwide. As a result, the event saw unprecedented engagement—reaching 36 million likes within the hour and a record-breaking number of unique viewers—the highest number for a LIVE new album release in the past 12 months. The Romantic became Bruno Mars’ first album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with every song on the album among the top 100 streaming songs in the US and Global, and “Risk It All” became the No. 1 streaming song in the US for the week.

“Bruno poured his heart into The Romantic, and the fan response has been incredible. Through the power of both of these massive platforms, iHeartMedia and TikTok together created a bespoke event that helped debut the album,” said Brady Bedard, EVP of Promotion at Atlantic Music Group. “This was promotion at the speed of culture—real-time fan and artist connectivity, massive broadcast exposure, and immediate interactive engagement. That synergy helped drive the album week of release and with this new success, set a new bar for how albums can break through.”

“The iHeartMedia–TikTok album release format signals a broader shift: from passive distribution to an interactive cultural moment that delivered deeper engagement and set record-breaking results,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “By pairing iHeartMedia’s scale and listener engagement with TikTok’s cultural momentum, we’ve created a new kind of album launch—one that turns a release into an event. This is more than a partnership; it’s a model for how artists can debut music, tours, even a new single in a more immersive, measurable, and impactful way.”

“We’re thrilled to have joined forces with Bruno Mars and iHeartMedia to bring fans together for this special album preview on TikTok LIVE,” said Shen Gao, Head of LIVE Operations, Americas at TikTok. “The experience created a space where Bruno’s community could discover his new music together in real time — reacting, celebrating, and joining the conversation as it unfolded. Moments like this transform a release into a shared cultural experience where fans are actively participating. TikTok LIVE gives artists like Bruno Mars a powerful way to reach their community and connect with fans on a more personal level.”

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

About Bruno Mars:

Bruno Mars is a 16x GRAMMY®-winning global superstar, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and one of the most-streamed artists in the world. Known for his showmanship and chart-toppers, Bruno has set a number of records throughout his career, including becoming the first artist ever to hit 150 million monthly listeners on Spotify, appearing on two of the fastest songs to reach one billion streams (for “Die with a Smile” with Lady Gaga and “APT.” with ROSÉ, and achieving the highest-certified song in RIAA history with 2010’s “Just the Way You Are”). Since launching a string of hits beginning in 2009, Bruno has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Beyond his work as a soloist, Bruno is a member of the duo Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak. In addition to his 35 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including ten number one singles, Bruno is the recipient of 16 GRAMMY® Awards (including “Album of the Year” for 24K Magic), 14 American Music Awards, and seven MTV Video Music Awards. His 24K Magic World Tour was among the highest-grossing tours in history, and within the top ten highest-grossing of the 2010s. He recently released his 10th No. 1 single, “I Just Might,” which is the first song from his long-awaited fourth solo album, The Romantic, and inaugural No. 1 debut. Marking his first solo album in a decade, and first album to debut at No.1 on the Billboard 200, The Romantic is available everywhere now.

The duo’s hit show “Las Culturistas” celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a special episode featuring guest Nicole Kidman

NEW YORK – March 23, 2026 – iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Podcast Network today announced a multiyear renewal of the exclusive podcast partnership with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. The deal comes as the podcasting power duo’s award-winning pop culture show “Las Culturistas” celebrates its 10-year anniversary, marking the milestone with an extra special episode featuring screen icon Nicole Kidman.

Launched in March 2016, “Las Culturistas” has become a podcasting mainstay and must-stop destination for a star-studded list of actors, musicians, comedians and anyone who is defining what culture is now. The duo joined iHeart and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Podcast Network in 2020 and have since won Podcast of the Year at the 2023 and 2025 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards; comedy podcast wins from the GLAAD Media Awards in 2024 and the Ambies in 2025; and a Special Achievement Award in 2024 from the Signal Awards. This year, the duo was honored by GLAAD with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award for their efforts to significantly raise visibility for members of the LGBTQ community and promote acceptance of queer issues.

“We couldn’t be happier to continue ‘Las Culturistas’ alongside our friends at iHeart and Big Money Players. Hopefully people start spreading the word about podcasts, a medium with a lot of potential,” said Rogers and Yang.

“I don’t think so Honey? Well I DO think so! To say we are honored to have this partnership renewed is an understatement. Bowen and Matt have created through hard work and their brilliance, a podcast that continues to entertain, through humor and inclusion, a massive, ever growing audience. They are two of the funniest people ever and dare I say it…great Americans!,” said Will Ferrell.

The weekly show takes listeners on unforgettable journeys into the beating heart of culture with regular hit segments including the often-viral “I Don’t Think So, Honey” and the quintessential question of the podcast: “What is the culture that made you say culture was for you?” Armed with their dedicated fanbase of readers, publicists, Kayteighs, finalists and Kyles, Matt and Bowen serve as the official arbiters of culture alongside sizzling special guests -- including Mariah Carey, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Aniston, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan and many more – as they get into the hottest moments everyone can’t stop talking about and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas.

“It’s been an incredible decade for Matt and Bowen as they grew ‘Las Culturistas’ into a cultural powerhouse as influential as the ‘Rules of Culture’ they set for us every week, and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership as they keep defining and ranting about culture with the biggest names in the business,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts.

In 2025, Las Culturistas brought their annual “Las Culturistas Culture Awards” to audiences nationwide with the hit awards show airing on Bravo and Peacock – and the Awards will return again this year. The duo also hosts the iHeartPodcasts original series in partnership with NBC Universal, “Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & the Olympics,” covering the biggest moments in culture to come out the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris and the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortino.

Listen to “Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang” on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. See the full catalog of Big Money Players podcasts here.

Yang and Rogers are represented by UTA, 3 Arts and SRDA.

About Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is an Emmy®-nominated comedian, actor and writer who has captivated audiences with his distinct wit and comedic style while breaking barriers across film, television and podcasting. He currently co-hosts the critically acclaimed podcast, Las Culturistas, alongside Matt Rogers. Yang and Rogers recently brought their Las Culturistas Culture Awards to television for the first time, which aired on Bravo and Peacock in 2025 and will be returning in 2026. Las Culturistas was named Podcast of the Year at the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards in 2023 and 2025.  He was recently honored with the Vantage Award at the 2025 Academy Museum Gala and more recently, he and Matt received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards.

Yang starred in THE WEDDING BANQUET, Andrew Ahn’s remake of the 1993 comedy, opposite Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran and Han Gi-chan. Yang also starred in Universal Pictures’ Academy® award-nominated film WICKED as “Pfannee” and reprised his role in WICKED: FOR GOOD, released on November 21, 2025. In 2026, Yang will lend his vocal talents as a voice in Warner Brothers’ animated film THE CAT IN THE HAT.

As he celebrated his seventh season as part of the main cast of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Yang created memorable moments and characters throughout his time on the show. Joining the show as a writer in 2018 and becoming an on-air cast member in 2019, he has gone on to receive four Emmy® Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, making him the most-nominated Asian male performer in Emmy® history. He also received an Emmy® nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 2019, on behalf of SNL. Yang’s last SNL show was on December 22, 2025 with a poetic send off from Ariana Grande and Cher.

About Matt Rogers

Featured on Variety’s 2025 Comedy Impact Report, Matt Rogers is an actor, comedian, writer, and recording artist with undeniable talent and charm. On screen, he starred in the Netflix dark comedy No Good Deed alongside Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano, and broke out with I Love That For You and the acclaimed queer rom-com Fire Island. He has also appeared in Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune, Apple TV’s Palm Royale, and Prime Video’s Overcompensating. Behind the scenes, he wrote for The Other Two and Q-Force—voicing Twink—and co-created and co-hosted the short-form competition series Gayme Show with Dave Mizzoni.

He co-hosts the hit podcast Las Culturistas alongside Bowen Yang—named one of TIME’s “100 Best Podcasts of All Time” and winner of Podcast of the Year at the 2023 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards—and the duo’s sold-out Las Culturistas Culture Awards, which aired on Bravo and Peacock in 2025 and will return for 2026. Dubbed the “Prince of Christmas,” Rogers released his holiday dance-pop album Have You Heard of Christmas? in 2023 with Capitol Records and tours annually with his festive live show. His work has earned an iHeartPodcast Award and Ambie for Las Culturistas, a Gotham Award as part of the ensemble of Fire Island, and the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards.

NEW YORK – March 20, 2026 – iHeartMedia recently highlighted new music and artists alike with special programming, including new World Premiere debuts and more. 

This week, BTS’s new single “Swim” had a World Premiere debut on March 20 across all iHeartRadio CHR and Hot AC stations, and Muse’s new single “Be With You” had a World Premiere debut on March 19 across all iHeartRadio Alt stations. 

Additionally, iHeartRadio launched “Bob Kingsley’s Countdown Classics” this week, a new streaming station dedicated to the legendary countdown show hosted by one of country radio’s most beloved voices, Bob Kingsley. Fans can listen to classic episodes of the Bob Kingsley Country Top 40 countdown show anytime by opening the iHeartRadio app and searching “Bob Kingsley.”

For the latest news, music fans can download the iHeartRadio app; follow iHeartRadio on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, Facebook and YouTube; and visit iHeartRadio.com.

NEW YORK, NY — March 19, 2026 -- iHeartRadio announced today the launch of Bob Kingsley’s Countdown Classics, a new streaming station dedicated to the legendary countdown show hosted by one of country radio’s most beloved voices, Bob Kingsley.

Kingsley, a member of both the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Country Radio Hall of Fame, passed away in 2019, and the station launches today in celebration of what would have been the legend’s 86th birthday.

The station features the original Bob Kingsley Country Top 40 countdown shows, giving listeners the chance to relive the biggest country hits exactly as fans heard them on the radio. Each episode captures the songs, stories and artist insights that made Kingsley a trusted voice in country music for decades. Fans can listen anytime by opening the iHeartRadio app and searching “Bob Kingsley.”

“I am so pleased that Bob’s Country Top 40 programs will be available to a generation of listeners with the help of our friends at iHeartRadio. What a wonderful birthday present to honor him,” said Nan Kingsley. “Bob wanted the countdown show to represent the best of Country music, and he worked tirelessly with his team to ensure the highest quality content was produced. I know you’ll hear that dedication when you rediscover these shows.”

The channel – a partnership with iHeartRadio, The Kingsley Estate and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where the Kingsley audio archives are housed – will also feature specials including Bob Kingsley’s Christmas In America during the holidays.

“Bob Kingsley was one of the most recognizable and respected voices in country radio history,” said Jon Zellner, President of Programming Operations and Digital Music for iHeartMedia. “His countdowns didn’t just play the biggest country songs of the week -- he told the stories behind them and helped deepen the connection between the music and the fans. With this new iHeartRadio station, fans can once again experience the magic of those shows and reconnect with the music and artists and songwriters that shaped country radio.”

Bob Kingsley’s Classic Country Top 40 joins iHeartRadio’s lineup of hundreds of digital stations and thousands of live broadcast stations available on the iHeartRadio app, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service –  available across more than 500 platforms and over 2,000 devices including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles.

About Bob Kingsley

Bob Kingsley’s voice has been heard on radio across eight decades. At 18, Kingsley joined the Air Force and served in Keflavik, Iceland, where he jumped at a chance to become an announcer on Armed Forces Radio. That experience and his love of Country music would carry him to legendary stations like KFOX, KGBS, KFI, and KLAC in Los Angeles, and to his role as the voice of Drake-Chenault’s Great American Country format, used by hundreds of Country radio stations. In 1974 Bob Kingsley signed on as producer of American Country Countdown with Don Bowman (1974-1978), taking over as host and executive producer of American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley from 1978-2005. Daily short-form features—America’s Music Makers with Bob Kingsley and Country’s Hit Makers with Bob Kingsley—aired from 1988-2006, with a collection of more than 75 specials airing from 1978-2019. Between 2006-2019 Kingsley hosted and produced his own syndicated Country Top 40 with Bob Kingsley countdown, which continues today, hosted by Fitz. The Bob Kingsley Estate’s multi-year partnership with Nashville Songwriters Association International features Bob Kingsley’s NSAI Top 40 quarterly spotlights of the best songs from unsigned songwriters. The Estate’s partnership with The Bluebird Cafe includes a series of Bob Kingsley Presents performances spotlighting hitmaking songwriters alongside audio snippets from Bob’s archives. Country Radio Seminar annually salutes Bob’s impact on the genre, with Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley event. Bob’s impact on Country music and Country radio was documented in a 2021 print and audio book Bob Kingsley’s Book Of Records, available here. Bob’s widow and business partner, Nan Kingsley, donated Bluestem Studios in Texas, where Kingsley recorded his shows, to Weatherford College in 2021 as part of a larger gift under the banner of The Nan & Bob Kingsley Center. Her philanthropic efforts on behalf of the Estate have also included The Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award benefiting the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, which has raised more than $400,000 since its inception. In 2019 and 2021, selections from Bob’s audio archives were gifted to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, preserving Kingsley’s legacy for future generations. .

John Mellencamp to Perform and Receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Icon Award

Kehlani Joins the Lineup of Performers for This Year’s Award Show

The Event Will Feature Additional Special Appearances by Alysa Liu, Ne-Yo, Nicole Scherzinger, Nikki Glaser, sombr, Weezer and More

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards Air Thursday, March 26, on FOX Live From Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles

NEW YORK—March 19, 2026— iHeartMedia and FOX Entertainment today announced that Taylor Swift, this year’s most-nominated artist with nine nominations, will make a special appearance at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, her first award show appearance this year. The show will also honor John Mellencamp with the 2026 iHeartRadio Icon Award, who will perform at the event. Additionally, Kehlani joins previously announced performers Alex Warren, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, and performing for the first time together, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.

Hosted by Ludacris, the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards will also feature special appearances by Alysa Liu, Ne-Yo, Nicole Scherzinger, Nikki Glaser, sombr, Weezer and more. The annual award show will air live from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 26 (8-10 p.m. ET live / PT tape-delayed) on FOX and will also be heard on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.

This year’s iHeartRadio Icon Award recipient is John Mellencamp. Few artists embody the spirit of the American storyteller as completely as John Mellencamp. For more than five decades, his songwriting has captured the hearts of millions of fans. From defining an era with “Jack & Diane,” “Pink Houses” and “Small Town” to continuing to influence generations of musicians with his unmistakable voice and point of view, Mellencamp’s work is woven deeply into the cultural fabric of the United States.

This summer, Mellencamp will embark on his highly anticipated Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits, performing the songs that have defined his career, many of which he hasn’t played live in decades. Equally important to Mellencamp’s artistry is his longstanding dedication to activism and advocacy. Throughout his career, he has championed causes close to America’s heartland, including co‑founding Farm Aid to support family farmers, a commitment that has spanned nearly 40 years. His voice has always stood for compassion, community and integrity, reflecting the very values the Icon Award seeks to honor.

Additionally, as previously announced, Ludacris will receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award, Miley Cyrus will be honored with the 2026 iHeartRadio Innovator Award and Alex Warren will receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award.

The 13th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards will celebrate the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2025, while also offering a preview of the upcoming hits of 2026. The show will feature award presentations in multiple categories, live performances from the biggest artists in music, surprise guests and collaborations, and will showcase the stories of the winning artists’ road to No. 1.

Artists receiving several nominations include Alex Warren, Bad Bunny, Benson Boone, BLACKPINK, Chris Brown, Ed Sheeran, Ella Langley, GloRilla, Grupo Frontera, HUNTR/X: EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, Jelly Roll, JENNIE, j-hope, KATSEYE, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Linkin Park, LISA, Mariah the Scientist, MOLIY, Morgan Wallen, Myles Smith, RAYE, ROSÉ, Sabrina Carpenter, Shinedown, sombr, SZA, Tate McRae, Taylor Swift, Twenty One Pilots and Zara Larsson. 

For a full list of categories, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards.

Executive producers for the iHeartRadio Music Awards are Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jeannaé Rouzan-Clay for Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE); John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Bart Peters for iHeartMedia; and FOX Entertainment Studios.

Proud partners of this year’s event on iHeart’s platforms include H&R Block, She Rises Studios, and Trashie with more to be announced.

Artists and/or events subject to change or cancellation without notice. 

About FOX Entertainment

With a legacy spanning nearly 40 years, FOX Entertainment is one of the world’s most recognizable media brands and a prolific content producer across its iconic broadcast network and both owned and third-party platforms worldwide. Known for its independent, innovative spirit and provocative, groundbreaking storytelling, the company includes three key business units: FOX Television Network, FOX Entertainment Studios and worldwide content sales and licensing unit FOX Entertainment Global.

While maintaining its leadership in linear television with an exceptional slate of original series – including Doc, Extracted, Memory of a Killer, The Masked Singer, The Floor, The Simpsons, Animal Control, Going Dutch, Murder in a Small Town, Hell’s Kitchen and LEGO Masters – FOX Entertainment is growing its portfolio of studio engines, business operations and library of owned original content. 

To date, the FOX Entertainment Studios division includes its in-house unscripted studio with hits The Masked Singer, I Can See Your Voice and Name That Tune, and scripted content studio featuring comedies Animal Control and Going Dutch and signature drama series Best Medicine, The Faithful, The Way Home and The Chicken Sisters. The unit also oversees the award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment with animated comedies including Krapopolis, Grimsburg, Hazbin Hotel and Universal Basic Guys; entertainment platform TMZ with its tentpole primetime series TMZ Investigates; its new independent film label Tideline Entertainment with inaugural releases including First Time Female Director, Ponyboi and Slanted; and the culinary and lifestyle content venture Studio Ramsay Global in partnership with iconic chef Gordon Ramsay, featuring food-themed original series on FOX such as Next Level Chef, Kitchen Nightmares and Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, as well as the new next-gen global food brand and entertainment platform Bite, No Taste Like Home on Disney+, Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars on Apple+ and a new untitled Gordon Ramsay documentary series on Netflix in early 2026.

As a global content creator and production partner, FOX Entertainment Studios collaborates with studios and platforms worldwide, including Disney, Hulu, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures Television, Prime Video, Netflix, Apple+, Hallmark, Lifetime, TelevisaUnivision, UK’s Channel 4, France’s TF1, German’s ProSieben, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia’s Foxtel and FOX-owned streamer Tubi, among others.

About Jesse Collins Entertainment

Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service Emmy winning production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television's most memorable moments in music entertainment.  JCE's award-winning and critically acclaimed television includes programming from its four divisions—specials, sports, scripted and unscripted.  From the specials division: award shows—The Emmy Awards, The 2021 and 2022 American Music Awards, The 2022 Golden Globes, BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF's An Evening of Stars and ABFF Honors; specials—Jimmy Fallon's Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey (Primetime Emmy Award nominee), A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, Lil Rel Howery: I said it. Y'all thinking it., CNN's Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom, Martin: The Reunion, John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today, A GRAMMY Salute to the Sounds of Change, Stand Up for Heroes, Dear Mama, Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin', Def Comedy Jam 25, Leslie Jones: Time Machine, The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular and Rip the Runway.  From the sports division: Beyoncé Bowl at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans NFL 2024 Christmas Game (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The Super Bowl Halftime Show (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The 95th Major League Baseball All-Star Game Pre-Game Show, The 2025 World Series Game 1 Anthem, NFL Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show starring Jack White and Netflix’s Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party.  From the scripted division: scripted series—Real Husbands of Hollywood, American Soul and miniseries—The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story.  From the unscripted division: unscripted series – Heart & Hustle: Houston, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, Oh Hell No! With Marlon Wayans, Cardi Tries, My Killer Body with K. Michelle, DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic and Forward: The Future of Black Music, competition series—Hollywood Squares, Rhythm + Flow, Celebrity Squares, Becoming A Popstar, Sunday Best, Hip Hop Squares and Nashville Squares, talk shows – We Got Time Today, Yara Shahidi's Day Off and Face to Face with Becky G, and children's series—Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Daytime Emmy Award winner).  Emmy Award winner Jesse Collins is the Founder & CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment and executive producer of all JCE programming.  He is also an executive producer for the annual GRAMMY Awards and produced the 2021 Oscars.  Emmy winner Dionne Harmon is President.  Emmy nominee Jeannae Rouzan-Clay is Senior Vice President of Specials.