iHeartRadio Music Festival 2026: It is sad that a radio monopoly can still bully and make fun of musicians and their fanbase with their huge platform

 

edited:

So after hearing a iHeartradio host and whole radio program name-call and make fun a fanbase post show this whole concert thing just doesn't really feel right anymore. 

I understand sticking up for your place of work because of upset fans and wanting to have a conversation about settimes and lineups but as the host stated himself, there was an agreed upon contract between BTS and iHeart.

 Going on an onair rant about a fanbase and artist that iHeart has worked with for years feels unprofessional and with his cohosts just laughing along, agreeing with him is just mean. 

Poking fun at an artists name not even trying to pronounce his name correctly multiple times, complaining about ARMY, telling them to suck it...It almost feels like there is still zero progress with how media in American media. 

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also ps, the hosts actively are dumbing down the concept of a variety show like viewers are unfamiliar, whilst billing and marketing the event as iHeart Music Festival. 

you can kinda see why there was confusion where music festival typically have a headliner with smaller sets leading up to the finale like their iHearts Alter Ego event. 

if we are going to audit the actual event.....also festivals don't usually have a 50/50 split between actual live music and advertisements...

More context 😀 https://t.co/w2FEQBDvhq

— ꪑⅈડꫝꪖ⁷ (@imirebirth) September 22, 2026

If this is how the radio company felt from the get-go then yeah I guess maybe it is true, iHeart was just using the BTS group and their fanbase for views, whilst talking shit about them behind their back. 

I often try to forget that video where the press and photographers on the red carpet at the Billboard Music Award 2017  because it's almost shocking how the incident wasn't reported or anything.

 Then this thing comes out after the iHeart Music Festival years later. You'd really think after 10 years in the music industry, there would be more acceptance and growth in the entertainment industry but maybe that is just something that will never happen

@emalia.xox #bts #kpop #fyp #army ♬ Run BTS - BTS

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So like it felt like a millennial variety show in the best way, Kenny Chesney first, then to Weezer to the Goo Goo Dolls, to Cardi B to Zara to BTS. BTS at the end with 15mns felt weird but eh. The overall night perfff.

• Cardi B
• BTS
• Goo Goo Dolls
• Kenny Chesney
• Weezer
• Zara Larsson 

I would even call myself a Weezer super fan but somehow knew their entire setlist, might need to see a Weezer concert again, 10/10/ You kinda forget how much of an easy listen the Goo Goo Dolls are as well, slide, Iris, like perfect listens.

I would have swapped Cardi and Zara but that's just cuz I don't know love of Zaras stuff more of her older music, Cardi played a snippet of every one of her hits kinda crazy but somehow worked?

Zara was cute and probably will be touring next year right? this year she was at every festival ever. Then BTS felt weird with only 15 mmns but if that was contractually meant to be then it is what it is. What is kinda funny is somehow the fan camera videos were more popular online than the actual company social posts, like the fans videos were perfect lol