Teddy Swims Crowned Best New Pop Artist at 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards: A Star Ascending..
In a night filled with unforgettable performances, emotional speeches, and powerful moments, one of the standout highlights of the **2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards** was the announcement of **Teddy Swims** as the **Best New Pop Artist**. This recognition, awarded on March 17 at the star-studded ceremony hosted by **LL Cool J**, was not only a nod to Swims’ meteoric rise in the past two years but also a celebration of a new era in mainstream pop music—one defined by vulnerability, genre fusion, and authentic storytelling.
## Who Is Teddy Swims?
Born **Jaten Collin Dimsdale** in Conyers, Georgia, Teddy Swims has become a force in music through a combination of soul-soaked vocals, lyrical depth, and a striking ability to blend pop, R\&B, soul, and gospel with effortless charm. His stage name—Swims—is an acronym for “**Someone Who Isn’t Me Sometimes**,” a reference to his personal struggle with identity and self-acceptance, themes that have become recurring pillars in his songwriting.
Swims first gained attention in 2019 through viral **YouTube covers**, ranging from Shania Twain to Michael Jackson. His robust, emotion-laced vocals earned him millions of views, attracting a global audience and eventually securing him a record deal with **Warner Records**.
But it wasn’t until the release of original work—most notably his 2022 debut EP, *Tough Love*—that Swims began to establish himself as a serious contender in the pop and soul scene. The EP reached the Billboard 200, and Swims’ following continued to grow as fans connected not just with his voice, but with his raw openness and the emotional honesty in his lyrics.
## Breakthrough: “Lose Control” and Mainstream Recognition
Swims’ career hit full throttle in 2023 with the release of his debut studio album, *I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1)*. The project offered a deeply personal look at mental health, relationships, and healing, with the standout track **“Lose Control”** quickly becoming a cultural moment. The single, propelled by Swims’ soaring vocals and universal themes of emotional chaos, climbed to the top of the **Billboard Hot 100**, making him a household name.
With *Part 1*, Swims delivered not just music but a therapeutic journey for both himself and his fans. His lyrics explored anxiety, love, regret, and longing—topics that resonated deeply in a post-pandemic world still grappling with emotional scars.
Critics praised the album’s lush production, lyrical nuance, and genre-defying blend of pop, R\&B, and soul. Fans connected with the authenticity, and within months, Swims had become a chart-topping success, selling out arenas across the U.S. and Europe.
## Best New Pop Artist: A Defining Award
At the **2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards**, Teddy Swims stood out among a fiercely talented pool of nominees in the **Best New Pop Artist** category. Competing against **Benson Boone**, **Chappell Roan**, **Gracie Abrams**, and **Shaboozey**, Swims ultimately secured the honor—an industry validation of his artistry, perseverance, and cultural impact.
In his acceptance speech, Swims thanked his family, his team, and his fans, breaking into tears as he spoke of the difficult path that brought him to this moment. “I’ve tried everything but therapy,” he quipped, referencing his album title, “but this—this right here—is healing.”
The crowd erupted in support, underscoring how Swims has become more than just a pop artist—he’s a symbol of emotional resilience and creative freedom.
## *I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2)*: A Follow-Up and a Statement
Released in **January 2025**, *Part 2* of Swims’ debut album continued the narrative of healing and self-discovery. Tracks like **“Bad Dreams”**, **“Guilty”**, and **“Are You Even Real”** explored more mature and nuanced emotional territory. Featuring guest artists like **Givēon** and **Muni Long**, the album leaned further into contemporary R\&B while maintaining Swims’ hallmark lyrical vulnerability.
Critics were quick to note that *Part 2* showcased an artist in full control of his sound and vision. The storytelling was more focused, the vocal arrangements more intricate, and the overall cohesion stronger than ever. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and was widely hailed as a sophomore triumph.
## Blending Genres, Breaking Molds
One of Teddy Swims’ most defining features as an artist is his refusal to conform to traditional genre boundaries. He’s a pop star, yes—but one who routinely infuses his music with elements of **soul**, **gospel**, **country**, and **blues**. His influences range from **Al Green** and **Otis Redding** to **Chris Stapleton** and **Post Malone**, and this eclecticism is evident in everything he creates.
This versatility is perhaps why Swims is able to resonate with such a broad audience. His concerts are known for drawing diverse crowds—from young pop fans to older soul aficionados—and the experience is as much about emotional catharsis as it is about musical performance.
## A Year of Milestones—Personally and Professionally
2025 has not only been a monumental year for Teddy Swims professionally, but personally as well. Just weeks before winning the iHeart award, Swims announced he is expecting his first child, a development he called “the greatest blessing of my life.” In interviews, he’s spoken candidly about how impending fatherhood has shifted his perspective and inspired new creative directions.
He’s also announced an upcoming **North American arena tour** scheduled for fall 2025, titled “**The Therapy Sessions Tour**,” which promises to be an immersive experience combining music, storytelling, and visual art. With many dates already sold out, it’s clear that Swims’ momentum is not slowing down anytime soon.
## A Global Voice
Swims’ appeal isn’t limited to the U.S. With viral traction in countries like the UK, Australia, and Brazil, and his inclusion on several Spotify global playlists, his audience is increasingly international. His collaborations with artists from different genres and backgrounds have broadened his reach and further solidified his role as a cross-cultural bridge in pop music.
In 2024, he was featured on a remix of Sam Smith’s “Unholy” and teamed up with Colombian pop sensation Karol G for a bilingual ballad that topped Latin charts—a testament to his musical flexibility and global appeal.
## What the Industry Is Saying
Industry experts have been vocal in their support of Swims. **Rolling Stone** recently included him in their “Future of Pop” issue, calling him “a singular talent capable of moving entire generations.” **Billboard** described him as “the emotional compass pop music didn’t know it needed.”
Fellow artists have also sung his praises. In a post-awards interview, **Gracie Abrams**, also a nominee, stated: “Teddy deserves this. He brings something real, something rare. He’s not just making music—he’s making people feel seen.”
## Fans at the Forefront
What truly sets Teddy Swims apart, though, is the relationship he has with his fans. Known for replying to DMs, reposting fan art, and even inviting fans on stage, Swims has built a community around his music. His live shows often include heartfelt monologues, moments of silence for mental health awareness, and spontaneous acoustic sets.
The loyalty he inspires is palpable. When Swims was nominated for the iHeart award, fan-led campaigns across social media pushed the hashtag #TeddyForiHeart2025, garnering millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. Their dedication was ultimately rewarded.
## The Road Ahead
With a major award now under his belt, a growing global fanbase, and two critically acclaimed projects behind him, **Teddy Swims is only just getting started**. Plans for a deluxe version of *Part 2*, rumored collaborations with artists like **Adele** and **Bruno Mars**, and a possible venture into acting hint at an artist on the cusp of cultural ubiquity.
But if there’s one constant about Teddy Swims, it’s that he’ll always remain grounded in what got him here: storytelling, soul, and sincerity.
## ✨ Conclusion
The Best New Pop Artist award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards is more than just a trophy for Teddy Swims—it’s a validation of years of hard work, heartache, and healing. It’s proof that authenticity still resonates, and that artists who speak from the soul can still thrive in a market often driven by trends.
Teddy Swims is not just a name on a chart or a voice on the radio. He is, undeniably, a new kind of pop star—**one who leads with heart, embraces complexity, and connects with listeners on a deeply human level**.
As we look ahead to the future of music, one thing is clear: **Teddy Swims isn’t just the best new pop artist of 2025—he might just be the most important one.**
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