Beyoncé at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on April 1. 2024.Photo:Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty
Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty
Beyoncéis on top!
On Monday night, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer, 42, received the Innovator Award at the 2024iHeartRadio Music Awards, and used her moment in the spotlight to implore others to open their ears to enjoying art “with no preconceived notions.”
As she took the stage, Beyoncé — dressed in black leather and a cowboy hat — thanked Wonder right back, and revealed that he plays harmonica on her version of “Jolene,” which is featured on hernew country-inspired albumCowboy Carter.
“Tonight you called me an innovator, and for that I’m very grateful,” she said. “Innovation starts with a dream. But then you have to execute that dream, and that road can be very bumpy. Being an innovator is seeing what everyone believes is impossible. Being an innovator often means being criticized, which often will test your mental strength.”
Beyoncé at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on April 1. 2024.Kevin Winter/Getty
Kevin Winter/Getty
The 32-time Grammy winner continued, asking “all the record labels, every radio station, every award show” to be more open to innovation within the music industry, and more accepting of out-of-the-box ideas.
“My hope is that we’re more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art, with no preconceived notions,” she said.
She wrapped her speech with a sweet shoutout to husbandJAY-Z, whom she called “my rock [and] best friend,” as well as her kids, daughter Blue Ivy, 12, and twins Rumi and Sir, 6½.
“My three beautiful children who continue to be my inspiration and my biggest blessing,” she said.
Beyoncé was honored for her influence on pop culture, her various creative risks throughout her career, and her ability to “successfully transform [her] music,” per a press release.
Check out all of PEOPLE’s full iHeartRadio Music Awards coverage here.
The star’s honor comes three days after the release of her ninth studio album,Act II: Cowboy Carter.Beyoncé first announced she wasreleasing a new LPduring aSuper Bowlcommercial in February.
The commercial teased that the second act ofRenaissancewas set for release on March 29. Then, promptly after the commercial aired, the megastar shared two singles from her latest album: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.”
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Beyoncé at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on April 1. 2024.Amy Sussman/Getty
Amy Sussman/Getty
Since its release, “Texas Hold ‘Em” hitNo. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, making Beyoncé the first Black female artist to ever reach the top spot on the chart.
Along with Beyoncé’s honor,Cherreceived this year’s Icon Awardwith a special musical tribute.
The show also revealed that the “Believe” artist, 77, will be honored for “her unparalleled contributions to music and pop culture for over seven decades," per a press release.
Alongside the tribute performance,Justin Timberlake,Green Day,TLC,Jelly Roll,Lainey WilsonandTate McRaeare all taking the stage during the April 1 event.
source: people.com
