The Best Of Backstage At The iHeartRadio Music Festival
By Shayna Spero
September 13, 2021
As we gear up for two incredible nights at the 11th annual iHeartRadio Music Festival — happening this Friday and Saturday (September 17-18), we're going to take a stroll down memory lane!
We've had so much fun over the past decade with unforgettable performances from the BIGGEST names in music. But there is so much you didn't see that happened behind-the-scenes!
We've gathered up our favorite backstage photos from the past 11 years featuring your favorite celebs like the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, and Alicia Keys.
Take a look at all of the pics below and get ready for a show-stopping Festival weekend. Find out how to watch here.
Nicki rocked a hot pink chicken wing necklace in 2011. Talk about accessorizing!
Photo: Getty Images
J. Lo received a plaque for her single, "On the Floor (feat. Pitbull)" in 2011.
Photo: Getty Images
Although the Jonas Brothers never performed as a full band at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, Joe, Nick, and Kevin were presenters in 2012.
Photo: Getty Images
Britney Spears presented Miley Cyrus' performance in 2013. If you didn't know, Miley stans Brit!
Photo: Getty Images
Kesha and her dancers had a ball backstage in 2013.
Photo: Getty Images
The legendary Paul McCartney opened the show in 2013.
Photo: Getty Images
A collab we need: Katy Perry x Drake x Juicy J.
Photo: Getty Images
J. Cole and TLC performed "Crooked Smile" in 2013. Here's Cole and Chilli behind the scenes.
Photo: Getty Images
Robin Thicke shined as he opened the Festival in 2013.
Photo: Andrew Swartz for iHeartRadio
Ariana hit the iHeartRadio Music Festival stage for the first time in 2014. She even collaborated with Nicki Minaj AND Childish Gambino!
Photo: Getty Images
Alicia Keys has performed at a few of our iHeart Fest's, and will be hitting the stage this year! In 2014, she performed with Genesis.. kind of!
Photo: Getty Images
The radiant Miss. Taylor Swift, caught backstage in 2014.
YEAH! Calvin Harris and Lil Jon backstage in 2014.
Photo: Getty Images
Need this framed ASAP.
Photo: Getty Images
Coldplay clowning around with Elvis Duran in 2015.
Photo: Getty Images
Diddy was rolling deep in 2015 -- he performed with Tori Kelly, Lil Kim, Mase, Machine Gun Kelly, and Busta Rhymes! He still had time to say hi to his friend Lil' Wayne.
Photo: Getty Images
Just some lads chilling backstage in 2015.
Photo: Getty Images
Ariana hit the stage again in 2016, and performed "Break Free" with Zedd on drums.
Photo: Getty Images
The Ellen Show caught up with DNCE backstage in 2016.
Photo: Getty Images
Sam Hunt poses for a selfie backstage in 2016.
Photo: Getty Images
It doesn't get much cuter than this! French Montana, Bebe Rexha, and puppies!
Photo: Getty Images
It was a party in the U.S.A. in 2017 thanks to Miley.
Photo: Getty Images
DJ Khaled and Demi Lovato looking like bosses on their way to performing with Travis Scott, Quavo, and Chance the Rapper in 2017.
Photo: Joseph Llanes for iHeartRadio
Kylie showed up to support her boo, Travis Scott, in a rare 2017 public appearance!
Photo: Getty Images
DJ Khaled x Chance the Rapper.
Photo: Joseph Llanes for iHeartRadio
Welcoming Shawn Mendes to the show in 2018.
Photo: Getty Images
Matt Shultz of Cage the Elephant definitely brought an eclectic look to the Festival in 2019.
Photo: Getty Images
Steve Aoki with the throwback Backstreet Boys t-shirt! Or should we say, Backsteve Boys?
Photo: Getty Images
Tim McGraw and Ryan Seacrest pose backstage together in 2019.
Photo: Getty Images
Kane Brown is all smiles at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Festival!
Photo: Getty Images
Miley looked amazing at the 2020 Festival.
Photo: Vijat Mohindra