iHeartMedia and P&G have announced the launch of the inaugural Elton John Impact Awards, a new celebration recognizing influential LGBTQ+ changemakers and allies whose work has shaped culture, advanced equality, and supported communities around the world. Hosted by Billy Porter and Elvis Duran, the special will debut June 1 as both a podcast series on the iHeartRadio App and an audio broadcast airing across iHeartRadio PRIDE stations.
Created by iHeartMedia and P&G, the first-ever podcast awards ceremony spotlights artists, activists, and cultural figures whose contributions have helped redefine visibility and representation for the LGBTQ+ community. Alongside honoring this year’s recipients, the program will also raise awareness and funding for organizations working on the frontlines of LGBTQ+ advocacy and support, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
In partnership with Brandi Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation, additional funding will benefit organizations including CenterLink, GLAAD, National Black Justice Collective, Outright International, SAGE, and The Trevor Project. These organizations support a wide range of initiatives, from LGBTQ+ elder care and health access to youth mental health services and global advocacy efforts.
This year’s honorees represent a cross-section of entertainment, sports, and activism, each recognized for their cultural impact and ongoing advocacy work:
- Jonathan Bailey — acclaimed film, television, and stage actor who launched The Shameless Fund to support LGBTQ+ charities.
- Laverne Cox — Emmy-nominated actress and producer whose work has helped elevate transgender visibility in mainstream media.
- Melissa Etheridge — Grammy and Oscar-winning musician who has long championed LGBTQ+ rights through both music and advocacy.
- Billie Jean King — sports icon and humanitarian recognized for decades of advocacy surrounding gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Orville Peck — boundary-pushing country artist blending traditional country aesthetics with queer storytelling and representation.
- Chappell Roan — rising pop star celebrated for outspoken LGBTQ+ advocacy and the launch of The Midwest Princess Project supporting trans youth.
Hosted by Billy Porter and Elvis Duran, the special will feature intimate conversations with Elton John, David Furnish, and this year’s honorees, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the defining experiences that shaped their personal and professional journeys. The inaugural broadcast will also include a special performance of “Your Song” by Dove Cameron honoring Elton John’s enduring legacy.
“I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to connect us and challenge us,” said Elton John. “These conversations bring together the people who have shaped LGBTQ+ culture and fought for dignity at a time when the world too often looked away. Some are friends who stood beside me through the AIDS crisis, others are carrying the torch forward with the new generation. Hearing their stories and reflecting on how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go, is deeply humbling. This is history that cannot be forgotten and these are voices that must be heard.”
The Elton John Impact Award was originally introduced during 2022’s Can’t Cancel Pride, the virtual benefit concert created by iHeartMedia and P&G, where Elton John became the award’s first recipient in recognition of his decades-long advocacy and work in the fight against AIDS. Since then, honorees have included Brandi Carlile and Billy Porter, with the initiative now evolving into a standalone awards platform inspired by Elton John’s activism and influence. Over the past five years, Can’t Cancel Pride has raised more than $17 million for LGBTQ+ nonprofits.
“We’re honored to partner with Elton John and P&G to tell these stories of the incredible icons to celebrate their enduring impact on the LGBTQ+ community,” said Gayle Troberman for iHeartMedia. “Because of this, we are also able to showcase what’s possible when we use our voice to support the organizations on the ground delivering critical support to those in need.”
“We are proud to celebrate these cultural icons and community organizations that both inspire and support people in communities around the world,” added Brent Miller for P&G. “Through their efforts, they have helped us to better understand and uplift each other while working to create a world where equality and inclusion are achievable for all.”
“The Elton John Impact Awards spotlight the vital work of organizations protecting LGBTQ+ communities and advancing health equity around the world,” said David Furnish, Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and health equity remain under threat globally, investing in organizations on the frontlines has never been more urgent.”
The awards’ advisory council worked closely with Elton John to select this year’s recipients and includes David Furnish, Billy Porter, Brandi Carlile, Anne Aslett, Brent Miller, and John Sykes.
For more information, visit Elton John Impact Awards.