iHeartMedia’s 2025 Music Leaders: Sabrina Carpenter, Morgan Wallen, and the Top 10 Artists
Every year, iHeartMedia’s extensive radio network and streaming platforms reveal which artists have dominated the airwaves. 2025 was no exception, spotlighting a blend of pop brilliance, country powerhouse, and a diverse roster of acts that captured listeners’ hearts. Below is an engaging roundup of the year’s standout musicians, anchored by Sabrina Carpenter’s repeat triumph, Morgan Wallen’s country supremacy, and the full Top 10 list.
Sabrina Carpenter: The Most‑Played Artist, Again
Sabrina Carpenter reclaimed the title of iHeartMedia’s most‑played artist for a second consecutive year. Her string of chart‑topping singles, dynamic collaborations, and relentless touring schedule kept her songs in heavy rotation across pop, adult contemporary, and even rhythmic stations. The momentum built on her 2024 breakout hits, and 2025 saw new releases that resonated with both longtime fans and a broader audience, cementing her status as a pop mainstay.
Morgan Wallen: Country’s Unrivaled Champion
In the country realm, Morgan Wallen was crowned iHeartMedia’s top country artist of 2025. Wallen’s blend of traditional storytelling and modern production continued to dominate country radio, with multiple singles reaching the top of the charts. His ability to connect with listeners through authentic lyrics and energetic performances ensured his songs received massive airplay, reinforcing his position as the genre’s leading figure.
Top 10 Artists of 2025 According to iHeartRadio
The full Top 10 list showcases the eclectic musical landscape of the year. From pop sensations to hip‑hop innovators, each act earned a spot through consistent streaming numbers, radio spins, and fan engagement. Highlights include:
- 1. Sabrina Carpenter – Pop powerhouse with record‑breaking spins.
- 2. Morgan Wallen – Country titan with cross‑genre appeal.
- 3. Olivia Rodrigo – Continued her meteoric rise with emotionally resonant tracks.
- 4. Bad Bunny – Latin urban leader dominating global playlists.
- 5. Drake – Hip‑hop legend maintaining chart dominance.
- 6. Taylor Swift – Veteran pop/folk artist with a surprise album rollout.
- 7. Doja Cat – Pop‑rap hybrid delivering viral hits.
- 8. BTS – K‑pop icons sustaining massive streaming numbers.
- 9. Harry Styles – Rock‑infused pop star with a sold‑out world tour.
- 10. Lil Nas X – Genre‑blending creator whose tracks topped both radio and TikTok charts.
This diverse lineup reflects how listeners across the United States and beyond gravitated toward a mix of fresh talent and established icons.
Why These Artists Dominated
Several factors contributed to their overwhelming presence on iHeartMedia platforms:
- Strategic Release Timing – Dropping singles ahead of major holidays and summer festivals maximized exposure.
- Cross‑Platform Promotion – Leveraging TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube amplified radio impact.
- Touring and Live Performances – High‑energy concerts and festival slots translated into increased radio requests.
- Collaborations – Pairing with artists from different genres broadened audience reach.
These tactics, combined with iHeartMedia’s data‑driven playlist curation, ensured that the most compelling tracks received prime airtime.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 draws to a close, the music industry anticipates new releases that will reshape the next year’s rankings. Fans can expect Sabrina Carpenter to continue her pop ascendancy, Morgan Wallen to solidify his country reign, and emerging artists to challenge the status quo. iHeartMedia’s analytics will again spotlight the evolving tastes of listeners, offering a pulse on the future of popular music.
Stay tuned to iHeartRadio for the next wave of hits and discover which artists will shape the soundtrack of 2026.
