EXCLUSIVE: iHeartRadio Music Awards 2016 Host Jason Derulo Intends On Crashing Every Performance During Sunday's Show
Jason Derulo has come a long way since touring with Lady Gaga as her opening act for The Monster Ball Tour in 2009. Now, he’s headlining his own world tours, is behind some of the biggest songs in recent memory, and is a judge on the Fox show So You Think You Can Dance; he’s a singer, dancer, performer and, after Sunday, can add host to his long and impressive resume.
Derulo found time to chat with us in between preparation for Sunday’s iHeartRadio Music Awards and juggling his million other jobs.
We’re days away from the show, how are you feeling?
Jason Derulo: It’s a combination of things; I don’t think I can put it in a nutshell, really, but there are [some] nerves. It’s my first time, some excitement – excitement. This huge arena filled with fans – I just know it’s going to be like a huge party, so I’m literally looking forward to having the time of my life, honestly.
What do you think you’re most nervous about?
JD: I’m gonna crash everybody’s performance. I don’t know if it’s a good idea or not.
I think it’s a great idea.
JD: I think so, too. I just want to give everyone something new.
Ask for forgiveness, not permission, right?
JD: Yeah! Afterwards it’ll be all good.
Has last year’s host Jamie Foxx offered you any advice?
JD: No.
But, you don’t need it, right?
JD: No, but you’d think somebody would’ve called me to give me some help. I’m honestly going to up there and do me. At the end of the day, I hope people love it. I kind of thrive in these environments, just me and the fans. I don’t think it’ll be a lot different than one of my arena shows.
How important is it to you that you’re hosting a show centered on connecting artists like yourself to your fans?
JD: It’s super important. I think iHeart pays a lot of attention to detail – the app is certainly like that. It’s about the fans and the artists and the music; how close the fans get to be to some of their favorites artists. It’s a lot of attention to detail to configure this place like that, and that’s what you got to love about iHeart. They’re always pushing the boundaries and taking things to the next level and thinking of new and innovative ways to create a show that can be remembered for years and years. I think this show will offer what the biggest awards shows have offered in the past, but with so much more because it’s about the celebration of music rather than just the [awards] competition aspect. It’s us celebrating each other and giving back to the fans. This room [at the Forum] is set up just like a concert.
You’re also performing your new song, ‘If It Ain’t Love.’
JD: Yeah, double duty.
Is this the first time you’ve performed it?
JD: Yeah, it is.
What does it mean to you have your inaugural performance at iHeartRadio Music Awards?
JD: It’s a lot of fun. It’s a lot of work balancing both things, but it’s exciting because summertime is coming, and I thought this would be the perfect place to premiere the song. I did the song actually like a while ago and it’s still one of those that’ll get you moving every single time. Even after all this time I’m totally in love with this song. I think that’s what makes special records – something that’ll give you a feeling every time you hear it, no matter how many times you’ve heard it. I feel like it could be one of my biggest songs ever and it’s finally coming out. I feel like I’ve been holding this thing in my pocket and my pocket’s been burning for a couple of months now. I’m just excited to get it out to the people. I have some amazingly talented women performing with me – all girls, so there’ll be a lot steam on stage.
Is there anything else you can tease about the show?
JD: I don’t think you should expect anything because there’s a lot of crazy people here. It’s super star-studded and you know stars are out of their minds. You know, when you’ve got this many stars sitting next to each other, you never know what’s going to happen, so be prepared for everything.
Did you do a bracket for March Madness?
JD: I didn’t. I used to do that, but not this year.
Any thoughts on who’s going to win? Do you know who’s in the Final Four? It’s ok if you don’t.
JD: I don’t know who’s going to win this year, I didn’t get to follow too closely, honestly. But, I wish I could’ve. Having two jobs, three jobs makes it tough.
I guess you’re a little busy. Just a little.
JD: It’s hard. You know, I’m just trying to make a living out here.
Don’t miss the iHeartRadio Music Awards Sunday, April 3 at 8pm ET on truTV, TBS and TNT.