SAILORR is still reeling from a whirlwind 2025. Since catapulting to the charts with her viral R&B track “Pookie’s Requiem,” the Vietnamese-American singer hasn’t had time to catch a breath. She released her debut album, FROM FLORIDA’S FINEST, in May (and the deluxe version in December). Then, she embarked on her first-ever tour and opened for Doja Cat’s Tour Ma Vie.
Last week, she attended the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, where she was nominated in the Best New R&B Artist category. The Jacksonville native and GEN F alum shared the field with Mariah the Scientist and Jenevieve, though it was Leon Thomas who ultimately took home the trophy. SAILORR, however, didn’t go home empty-handed. She was given the Artist On The Verge award that recognizes emerging talent. “I [felt] honored standing alongside artists I’ve been a fan of for years,” she tells The FADER over email. “Leon took home a well deserved win, and I’ve been celebrating by bumping his last EP, Pholks.”
Below, read a conversation we had with SAILORR before she hit her first red carpet and see exclusive pics from her camera roll at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
