Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson had an Effie White and Deena Jones reunion backstage at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
The annual gathering took place on Monday (April 1), during which the stars of the 2006 blockbuster film Dreamgirls ran into each other backstage.
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In a post shared on Instagram the following day, J.Hud shared a carousel of images and clips documenting the moment Queen B spotted her and went in for a big hug.
“I am so happy I got to be there to cheer on my Dreamgirls sister as she received the @iheartradio Innovator Award!!!” the Chicago native wrote with a heart emoji. “Congratulations on such a well deserved recognition! Love u @beyonce !!!”
As Jennifer Hudson mentioned, Beyoncé was honored with the Innovator Award at this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards. During her acceptance speech, the Houston native shouted out several music legends
“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,” she said.
“Thank you to Rosetta Tharp, Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Stevie Wonder, André 3000, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson.”
It is worth noting that Wonder, who contributed to her Cowboy Carter LP, also presented her with the award.
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About him, she said: “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.”
Additionally, Bey thanked JAY-Z by saying: “My husband, my rock, my best friend, I love you.”
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The 42-year-old singer and dancer then shifted her focus to the spirit of innovation.
“Innovation starts with a dream, but then you have to execute that dream and that road can be very bumpy,” she said.
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“Being an innovator is saying what everyone believes is impossible. 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.”
