Erykah Badu has been honored with the Fashion Icon Award at the 2024 CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards — and presenting her with the accolade was none other than former partner André 3000.
The OutKast legend took to the stage in New York City on Tuesday (October 29) to pay tribute to the woman with whom he shares a child.
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“When Erykah said to me, ‘I got some good news to tell you,’ I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know if she was gonna say, ‘I’m pregnant’ or ‘I’m in a new relationship,'” 3 Stacks joked.
“So then she lets me know, ‘I’m getting the CFDA Award, Fashion Icon Award.’ And then our excitement and celebration, we said something like, ‘Wooo! This the one. And what took ’em so damn long to recognize?'”
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André then heaped high praise on the R&B songstress, saying: “Erykah is one of the most original and unique human beings I’ve ever known. Her style is truly original. She’s an inspiration to everyone she meets. She’s an iconoclast, an outcast, a warrior, rule-breaker, educator, activist, magician, seer, songwriter, singer, mother and a great, great friend.
“She makes the world a brighter, more colorful, joyous, committed and meaningful place to be. It is my pleasure to present the CFDA Fashion Icon Award to Erykah Badu.”
Wearing a typically eye-catching outfit complete with dangling head jewelry, Erykah Badu then graced the stage and shared a hug with her “Hello” collaborator, who she referred to as her “best friend.”
She then spoke about her love for fashion: “This is sport for me. I don’t feel right if I don’t leave the house and my shit’s not together. It’s my therapy, it’s my workout, it’s my husband — no offense.”
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The Mama’s Gun star concluded by trying to connect a number of stories to a grand thesis, which she had trouble doing. Eventually, she said: “What I’m trying to say is, I can dress,” which received rapturous applause.
Though Erykah Badu and André 3000 have been separated for many years, they still remain close.
Last month, the former couple and their son Seven reunited for a rare family photo.
In it, 3 Stacks has his arm around Badu’s shoulder and is grinning, while Seven sits behind them and throws up a peace sign.
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A week before, Badu and André Benjamin shared the stage during the latter’s tour stop in Dallas, where they performed a spiritual duet together.
