Ludacris Teases New Music and Thanks 'All the People Behind the Scenes' as He Wins Landmark Award at 2026 iHeartRadio Awards

Ilana Kaplan, Rachel DeSantisFri, March 27, 2026 at 1:49 AM UTC

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Ludacris at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on March 26, 2026.Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty -

Ludacris received the Landmark Award from Vin Diesel, honoring his decades-long impact on music and culture

The rapper thanked behind-the-scenes contributors and teased new music during his acceptance speech

Ludacris is also hosting the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Ludacris not only hosted, but took home a major accolade at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

At the awards show, which took place on Thursday March 26 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the rapper and actor (whose real name is Christopher Bridges) received the Landmark Award, which recognizes artists whose work has impacted culture for decades.

Ludacris, 48, received his award from Vin Diesel, with whom he stars in the Fast & Furious franchise.

The star took his time in the spotlight to thank "all the people behind the scenes," including mixing engineers, songwriters, producers, label executives, DJs, assistant stylists, lighting people, extras, managers and more.

Ludacris at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on March 26, 2026.Credit: Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty

"This particular award is one of those things where I work hard, but I absolutely don't do it myself," he said.

His speech was interrupted by his own voice yelling, "Luda!," which signaled that he needed to wrap, and he joked, "They're using me against me right now."

Ludacris concluded by thanking his wife Eudoxie and his fans.

"I thank y'all for 25 years. I'm coming back with new music," he said. "I love you."

Ludacris' last album, Ludaversal, came out in 2015.

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Check out all of PEOPLE's iHeartRadio Music Awards coverage here.

When iHeartMedia revealed details earlier this month about the awards show, it was announced that Ludacris would return to host the event.

"I’m excited to return as host of the iHeartRadio Music Awards to celebrate and perform alongside some of the best in the industry," he said in a statement at the time.

The Grammy winner, who previously hosted the ceremony in 2024, added, "It’s going to be a night with special performances and surprise moments fans are going to love."

Check out all of PEOPLE's iHeartRadio Music Awards coverage here.

In 2000, Ludacris broke through with his major label debut Back for the First Time and continued to release multi‑platinum albums including 2001's Word of Mouf, 2003's Chicken‑n‑Beer and 2004's The Red Light District, making him one of the most influential artists of the early 2000s.

Ludacris has earned three Grammy Awards throughout his career and has landed acclaimed acting roles, including playing Tej Parker in the Fast & Furious franchise.

At this year's awards show, Miley Cyrus also took home the iHeart Innovator Award, while John Mellencamp won with the Icon Award,

In terms of nominations, Taylor Swift leads with nine nods, followed by Alex Warren, Sabrina Carpenter and Bad Bunny with eight each.

Performers at this year's iHeartRadio Music Awards will include Warren, Mellencamp, Kehlani, Lainey Wilson, Ludacris, RAYE, TLC and Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards are airing live on FOX from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”