Beyoncé gave thanks to JAY-Z and André 3000 while accepting the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Fresh off the release of her new country-inspired album Cowboy Carter, Bey graced the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday (April 1) in a fittingly cowgirl-style outfit.
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In her acceptance speech, the singer gave nods to several music legends including Prince, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Tracy Chapman and Stevie Wonder — the latter of whom presented her the award.
“I want to dedicate this award to all the innovators who have dedicated their lives and their art to creating shifts. So thank you for your sacrifices, your powerful voices and your dauntless spirits,” Beyoncé said.
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“Thank you to Rosetta Tharp, Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Stevie Wonder, André 3000, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson.”
Queen B paid special tribute to Wonder, who contributed to her Cowboy Carter LP: “I love you and I honor you. I want to thank you for making a way for all of us.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition from you, Stevie Wonder. Whenever anyone asks me if there’s anyone I can listen to for the rest of my life, it’s always you.”
Beyoncé also thanked JAY-Z in her speech, saying: “My husband, my rock, my best friend, I love you.”
She also talked about the spirit of innovation: “Innovation starts with a dream, but then you have to execute that dream and that road can be very bumpy. Being an innovator is saying what everyone believes is impossible.
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“Being an innovator often means being criticized, which often will test your mental strength. Being an innovator is leaning on faith and trusting that God will catch you and guide you.
“So, to all the record labels, every radio station, every award show, my hope is that we’re more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art, with no preconceived notions.”
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Elsewhere at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, it was a big night for SZA who won Song of the Year for “Kill Bill.” She also took home awards for R&B Album of the Year (SOS), R&B Song of the Year (“Snooze”) and R&B Artist of the Year.
Lil Durk and J. Cole snagged Hip Hop Song of the Year for “All My Life,” beating out Gunna‘s “fukumean”, “Just Wanna Rock” by Lil Uzi Vert, “Rich Flex” by Drake and 21 Savage and Glorilla and Cardi B‘s collaboration “Tomorrow 2.”
Drake won Hip Hop Artist of the Year over friend-turned-foe Future, 21 Savage, Gunna and Lil Durk.
Ice Spice took home Best New Hip Hop Artist, fending off competition from Sexyy Red, Doechii, Young Nudy and Lola Brooke, while Victoria Monét won Best New R&B Artist ahead of Coco Jones, October London, Fridayy and Kenya Vaun.
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Metro Boomin took home the big prize of Best Hip Hop Album for Heroes & Villains.
