The song "Levitating" by Dua Lipa was named song of the year at the 2022 iHeartRadioMusic Awards, which took place on Tuesday. The fast-paced two-hour concert was broadcast live on Fox from Los Angeles' iconic Shrine Auditorium. The show began with a songs medley performed by host LL Cool J.

Because Lipa was not in attendance, the most important prize was not delivered on-air, but rather was announced in a round-up of other non-televised accolades. Three additional top winners, Olivia Rodrigo for female artist of the year, Lil Nas X for male artist of the year, and Silk Sonic for best duo/group of the year, were present to accept their awards. For all three artists, it was their first win in respective categories.

Lil Nas X said he was "delusional" to think he could drop out of school and make it famous, come out in the closet at the top of his career, and create a song about gay passion ("Montero (Call Me By Your Name)") and have it become a smash success after accepting his prize. "When you're chasing your ambitions, it's OK to be delusional," he said.

Rodrigo was honored by Avril Lavigne, who had her first Billboard Hot 100 hit at the age of 17 with "Complicated." Rodrigo, too, was 17 when she got her first hit, "driver's license." Rodrigo also took home the prize for best new pop performer. Rodrigo's pop-punk blockbuster "good 4 u," which displays Lavigne's influence on songs like "Sk8er Boi," earned another artist an award.