This week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the iHeartRadio Music Awards, where the entire show was thoughtfully and intentionally centered around fans, ultimately serving as a powerful reminder of who truly drives, sustains, and shapes the music industry as a whole.

As someone who proudly identifies as a fangirl and hopes to build a meaningful career within this space, the experience felt deeply personal and significant in a way that extended far beyond simple excitement. For so long, “fangirls” have been underestimated, dismissed, or reduced to stereotypes, yet being present in that room made one thing undeniably clear: fans are the heartbeat of the industry, and their passion, loyalty, and ability to build communities are what transform artists into global icons with lasting cultural impact.

One of the most surreal and unforgettable parts of the night was having the opportunity to see people I have admired and respected for years in the same space. Seeing Taylor Swift, alongside Travis Kelce, in person felt like a full circle moment that reflected years of admiration and support, and it was quite surreal to see someone like her in an environment like this given that I have been listening to her music since I was eight years old. I also got to see artists such as Sombr, Kehlani, Ludacris, and Miley Cyrus, each of whom has contributed to shaping music and culture in distinct ways.

Watching Miley Cyrus receive the Innovator Award stood out as a particularly meaningful moment, as it highlighted not only her evolution as an artist but also the lasting impact she continues to have on the industry. Being surrounded by individuals I respect so deeply was both inspiring and grounding, reminding me that the industry I aspire to be part of is not as distant as it sometimes seems.

Another standout moment for me was watching Alex Warren perform and win, which felt especially rewarding given the journey so many fans, including myself, have witnessed over time. Having seen his growth from his early days on TikTok to this stage, it was incredibly meaningful to experience that progression in real time, reinforcing the idea that fan support plays a crucial role in shaping and elevating an artist’s career. Fans do not simply consume content passively; they actively participate in building careers, amplifying voices, and creating momentum that artists carry with them throughout their journeys.

Hearing artists speak about the importance of their fans further reinforced something I have always believed but rarely see fully acknowledged at this scale. There is real, tangible value in fangirls, not only as supporters but as tastemakers, storytellers, and culture drivers who influence trends, shape narratives, and foster the kinds of communities that keep the industry alive and constantly evolving.

This is something that brands and companies should be paying much closer attention to, especially as the landscape of media and entertainment continues to shift toward more community-driven engagement. Those who genuinely understand and value fan communities will ultimately be better positioned for meaningful and sustainable growth, because when brands tap into these communities authentically, they are not simply marketing a product or artist, but rather building relationships, establishing trust, and creating long-term cultural impact.

Being in that room was about more than just excitement or entertainment; it was both validating and deeply inspiring in a way that reaffirmed my aspirations. It reminded me not only why I want to be part of this industry, but also why the voices, perspectives, and contributions of fans deserve to be recognized, respected, and taken seriously.

Experiences like this do not simply create memories that fade over time; they actively shape perspectives, influence ambitions, and strengthen the sense of purpose behind pursuing a career in this space. I am incredibly grateful to iHeartRadio and 1iota for making this opportunity possible and for creating an environment that celebrates the very people who make the industry what it is.

At the end of the day, the takeaway is both simple and powerful: fans are not on the outside looking in, but rather at the very center of the industry itself.

And as a proud fangirl, that is exactly where I want to be.

Why Fans Are the Heart of the Music Industry

Staying True to Yourself in the Entertainment Industry