"cheeeeeeese" —SAILORR
Credit: Beryl Chen
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.”
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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.
Credit: Beryl Chen
"staying hydrated, moisturized, and out of other ppl’s business" —SAILORR
The FADER: Describe how you’re feeling for your first red carpet appearance.
Feeling: sweaty and excited.
Credit: Beryl Chen
"just learned how to tie my own shoe" —SAILORR
Credit: Beryl Chen
"dm me if u wanna swap lip combos" —SAILORR
Credit: Beryl Chen
"carpet next to a living legend" —SAILORR
Did you partake in any special rituals to prepare for this event?
Smoke, eat, nap, glam, then pray. In that order. I blasted some unreleased music [and] hit a celebratory dance on the ride there.
Credit: Beryl Chen
"accepting an award I didn’t know I was gonna win" —SAILORR
What were you looking forward to the most?
Looking fly and smelling good with all my favorite people. A year ago, I was writing in my journal about how cool it would be to hear my song on the radio, and now, I get to actually experience it. I don’t take any of this for granted. I’m so blessed and grateful to have the same people by my side before any of this happened.
Credit: Beryl Chen
"aura farming outside the venue" —SAILORR
What were some memorable moments and meet-ups from the night?
I was looking forward to meeting my all-time favorite vocal coach and artist, Cheryl Porter. I saw she was nominated for the Broadway category. As a former theatre kid, my inner child was ready to be nurtured. We sang my favorite warm up that she uploaded to YouTube during COVID, and she gave me the warmest hug I think I’ve ever received from a human being ever. My year has been made.
Credit: Beryl Chen
"quick nap after lunch" —SAILORR
Describe your red carpet look.
I wanted to give sexy Vietnamese swan, so I immediately knew I needed a sheer áo dài from La Vierge. I love to spin traditional ideas into modern style, so I paired that with some custom stacked jade bracelets, and of course, my blackened grillz. The details are what drive home the concept, and I’m so happy I was able to wear a Vietnamese designer on the carpet.
Credit: Beryl Chen
"pls don’t steal my credit card info" —SAILORR
You recently dropped the “COCONUT” music video with Eem Triplin. What was it like working with him?
Eem is one of the most seamless and exciting collaborations I’ve ever been involved with because our brains are quite similar in how we approach music. It has been such a fun time bringing “COCONUT” to life with him and seeing how the world engages with what we’ve made. I hope one day we get to make an entire project together because he’s one of the most talented producers and artists of our time.
What does the rest of 2026 look like for you?
I’m making music the retired crash-outs can run over curbs to.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
