The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards have announced their winners, and it was a big night for rock and alternative music. Some of the biggest bands in the world took home trophies for their hard work over the past year.
Twenty One Pilots were named the Alternative Artist of the Year. They were in a tough category against other popular groups like Linkin Park, Green Day, Sublime, and Cage The Elephant. During the ceremony, drummer Josh Dun thanked the fans for their constant support, saying it means a lot to the band when people call in to request their songs and come to their shows.
Linkin Park also had a successful night. They won Rock Song of the Year for their hit Heavy Is The Crown. The track beat out other well-known songs such as Afterlife by Evanescence, Dance, Kid, Dance by Shinedown, Even If It Kills Me by Papa Roach, and Bad Guy by Falling In Reverse. Band members Emily Armstrong and Mike Shinoda accepted the award with a short message, telling their fans that they love them and hope to see them soon.
Other winners included Shinedown, who were named Rock Artist of the Year. Sleep Token won Rock Album of the Year for Even in Arcadia, and sombr took home Alternative Album of the Year for I Barely Know Her. In the new artist categories, Sleep Theory won Best New Artist for Rock, while sombr also won Best New Artist for Alternative.
Congratulations to all winners!
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