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Alex Warren Shares Inspirational Message After 'Breakthrough Artist' Win

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Alex Warren has had a breakthrough year, and his newest award proves it.

Warren, who soared to the top of the chart with his 2025 hit "Ordinary," was honored with the iHeartRadio Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday (March 26) for his record-breaking achievements and impressive rise as one of the impactful artists in music today.

During his acceptance speech, he explained how it was a "strange feeling" to go from being just another fan in the crowd a few years ago to now performing on the stage and winning awards.

Warren described not being the most popular kid at school, with many people mocking his efforts at becoming a musician, but he is only letting that fuel his fire today and serve as an inspiration for others.

"I hope that if there's anyone at home watching this right now, that feels like they're not good enough or that no one believes in them, I do. Truly, I do," he said. "You're going to be something amazing and I believe in you."

The "Blood Line" musician, who gave a chaotic and fun performance of his latest single prior to the award, also gave a sweet shoutout to his "amazing wife," Kouvr Annon.

"You make me strive to be a better man every single day, and no matter how many lyrics, there will never be a song long enough to tell you exactly how much I feel about you."

In addition to his Breakthrough Artist honor, Warren was up for several awards including Pop Artist of the Year, Best New Artist (Pop) as well as Song of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for "Ordinary." He was also nominated in the socially-voted categories Favorite Debt Album (You'll Be Alright, Kid), Best Lyrics ("Ordinary"), Best Music Video ("Ordinary"), Favorite K-pop Collab ("On My Mind" with ROSÉ).

Hosted by Ludacris, the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards featured special appearances and stellar performances by artists like Ludacris, Warren, RAYE and Lainey Wilson as well as Kehlani, John Mellencamp and a must-see collaboration with TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, who performed together for the very first time.

Check out the jaw-dropping red carpet fashions and the complete list of winners to see which of your favorite artist took home an award.