iHeart Turns Elton John Impact Award Into New Podcast And Audio Franchise.

The Elton John Impact Award was first introduced in 2022 during iHeartMedia’s “Can’t Cancel Pride” virtual benefit concert. It is now being expanded into a full-fledged awards show that will celebrate trailblazing LGBTQ+ community members and prominent allies. The special will launch as a podcast series hosted by actor-singer Billy Porter and syndicated radio personality Elvis Duran. The awards have been created in partnership with Procter & Gamble, which has been a sponsor of the event since its creation.

Across a series of episodes, the special will feature conversations with John and David Furnish, who is chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. They will also showcase this year’s award honorees as recipients share their own stories, challenges, and defining moments that shaped their personal journeys.

“I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to connect us and challenge us,” John says in a statement. “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.”

This year’s honorees span entertainment, music, sports and advocacy, recognizing individuals who have used their platforms to elevate LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. Among those being recognized are actor Jonathan Bailey, who launched The Shameless Fund to support LGBTQ+ charities; Emmy-nominated actress and Emmy-winning producer Laverne Cox, whose work has helped expand transgender representation in mainstream media; and Grammy and Oscar-winning musician Melissa Etheridge, who has spent decades championing LGBTQ+ rights through both her music and advocacy efforts.

The list also includes sports legend Billie Jean King, whose advocacy for gender and LGBTQ+ equality has stretched far beyond athletics; country artist Orville Peck, who has blended traditional country imagery with queer themes while advocating for greater visibility; and pop star Chappell Roan, whose outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights includes launching The Midwest Princess Project to support transgender youth.

“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 iHeart Executive Advisor Gayle Troberman. “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.”

The awards have been created in partnership with Procter & Gamble, which has been a sponsor of the event since its creation.

“We are proud to celebrate these cultural icons and community organizations that both inspire and support people in communities around the world,” said Brent Miller, Senior Director of Global LGBTQ+ Engagement at 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. They each use their special gifts — whether in the arts, athletics or community impact — to help inspire others with hope, action and impact.”

The Elton John Impact Awards will debut June 1 as a series of podcast episodes as well as an audio special airing across iHeartRadio “Pride” stations. To mark the inaugural broadcast, multiplatinum recording artist Dove Cameron will deliver a special performance of ‘Your Song’ in tribute to Elton John’s legacy.

Over the course of five years, iHeartMedia says its “Can’t Cancel Pride” effort has raised over $17 million for LGBTQ+ nonprofits. The Elton John Impact Awards will add to that to support the LGBTQ+ community including the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Since it was founded in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has awarded more than 55 grants and invested over $23 million in programs across 47 countries.

In partnership with Brandi Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation, additional funds from this year’s effort will be granted to CenterLink, GLAAD, the National Black Justice Collective, Outright International, SAGE, and the Trevor Project. Each organization addresses various critical needs across the LGBTQ+ community, such as supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ elder care, increasing access to preventative health services and treatment, and providing mental health support for young people.

“At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and health equity remain under threat globally, investing in organizations on the frontlines has never been more urgent,” Furnish said.