Nelly & Ashanti Take Over the Red Carpet at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards
By Tetris Kelly for Billboard
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards was a star-studded event filled with glitz, glamour, and of course, incredible music. But amidst all the excitement and buzz, there was one red carpet moment that had everyone talking – the reunion of former couple Nelly and Ashanti.
The two music icons, who dated back in the early 2000s, were caught up in a whirlwind of emotions as they crossed paths on the red carpet. And lucky for us, Billboard’s very own Tetris Kelly was there to capture the moment.
As soon as Nelly and Ashanti spotted each other, their faces lit up with genuine smiles and they immediately embraced in a warm hug. It was a sight to behold – two successful artists who once shared a romantic past, now reconnecting as friends.
But that wasn’t all. The pair also took the time to chat with Billboard’s Tetris Kelly, and it was clear that their chemistry was still as strong as ever. Nelly and Ashanti were all smiles as they caught up on each other’s lives and reminisced about their past collaborations.
Speaking about their reunion, Nelly couldn’t help but gush about Ashanti’s talent and how proud he is of her success. “She’s always been an amazing artist and I’m just happy to see her thriving in the industry,” he said. Ashanti, on the other hand, praised Nelly for his constant support and friendship. “We may not be together romantically, but we will always have a special bond,” she shared.
Their reunion was met with a lot of excitement and positive reactions from fans and the media alike. It was a heartwarming moment that showed the power of friendship and the importance of supporting each other’s success.
But Nelly and Ashanti weren’t the only ones making headlines on the red carpet. The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards was a night full of amazing performances and well-deserved award wins.
Big names in the music industry such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber graced the stage with their mesmerizing performances. The audience was also treated to some surprise collaborations, including a jaw-dropping duet between Rihanna and Bruno Mars.
In terms of awards, it was a big night for Billie Eilish who took home a total of five awards, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year. Other notable wins included Taylor Swift for Female Artist of the Year and Justin Bieber for Male Artist of the Year.
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards also took the opportunity to honor some of the biggest names in music with special tributes. The late Whitney Houston was remembered with a touching performance by Jennifer Hudson, while the legendary Elton John was celebrated with a star-studded tribute featuring Shawn Mendes, Dua Lipa, and Sam Smith.
But amidst all the glitz and glamour, it was the reunion of Nelly and Ashanti that stole the spotlight and captured the hearts of fans. It was a moment that showed the power of music to bring people together and the importance of supporting each other’s success.
As the night came to an end, Nelly and Ashanti bid farewell to each other, but not before promising to catch up again soon. And with the way they lit up the red carpet, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two talented artists.
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards was a night to remember, filled with incredible performances, well-deserved awards, and a heartwarming reunion. And we can’t wait to see what the next year holds for the music industry. Until then, let’s continue to support and celebrate the amazing talent that keeps us all entertained.
