iHeart Podcast Awards 2025: Will Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce Take Best Emerging Podcast?

The iHeartPodcast Awards, a celebration of the most influential voices in the podcasting world, are set to return to SXSW on March 10, 2025. With the nominees recently announced, speculation is rife about who will take home the coveted awards. Among the most intriguing categories is Best Emerging Podcast, and one nominee, in particular, has sparked considerable buzz: Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce.

Kylie Kelce: From “Football Wife” to Podcast Powerhouse

Kylie Kelce, wife of former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and sister-in-law to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, has quickly transitioned from a figure adjacent to NFL stardom to a podcasting force in her own right. Launching in November 2024, Not Gonna Lie offers a candid glimpse into Kelce’s life, going beyond the “football wife” label to explore topics ranging from modern parenting and social media trends to women in sports.

A Surprise Contender for Best Emerging Podcast

The podcast’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. In a matter of weeks, Not Gonna Lie climbed to the top of the podcast charts, even briefly surpassing established giants like The Joe Rogan Experience. This unexpected success has generated a mix of reactions, from excitement among Kelce’s fans to bewilderment and even annoyance from some corners of the internet. Kelce herself, however, remains unfazed by the attention, focusing instead on delivering relatable content to her listeners.

Can she land an award for her podcast this early on? Betting site 22bet21.com has the odds listed at 1.37/1 or 73%, suggesting she is in with a good chance.

Authenticity and Relatability: The Keys to Kelce’s Success

The secret to Not Gonna Lie’s appeal lies in its authenticity. Kelce’s willingness to share her experiences and opinions, often with a healthy dose of humor and profanity, has resonated with a broad audience. She tackles topics that are relevant to many women, particularly mothers, offering a refreshing perspective on the challenges and joys of modern family life. Her discussions about women in sports, both as athletes and as partners of athletes, have also struck a chord, carving out a unique space in the often male-dominated sports podcast landscape.

Beyond the Charts: A Focus on Connection

While the chart-topping success is undoubtedly impressive, Kelce insists that her primary focus is on creating content that connects with her listeners. She prioritizes shorter episode lengths, acknowledging the busy schedules of her target audience. This approach, combined with her candid and conversational style, creates a sense of intimacy and connection that sets Not Gonna Lie apart from many other podcasts.

A Voice for Women in a Crowded Podcast Landscape

In a podcasting world often dominated by male voices, Not Gonna Lie offers a refreshing alternative. Kelce’s focus on “mom stuff,” combined with her unfiltered commentary on various aspects of life, has resonated with a significant audience, particularly women. Her success demonstrates a growing appetite for podcasts that offer authentic and relatable perspectives on the everyday experiences of women.

The iHeartPodcast Awards and Beyond

As the iHeartPodcast Awards approach, Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce stands as a strong contender for Best Emerging Podcast. Its rapid rise to prominence, combined with its unique approach and dedicated fanbase, makes it a compelling nominee. Regardless of the outcome, Kelce’s impact on the podcasting landscape is undeniable. She has carved out a space for honest and relatable conversations, proving that there is a substantial audience eager for content that reflects their own lives and experiences.