Beyoncé’s powerful presence resonated at the iHeartRadio Music Awards as she received the Innovator Award, presented by none other than music legend Stevie Wonder. Wonder lauded Beyoncé as “a true visionary” and acknowledged her positive influence on the world.
Beyoncé, striking in a black leather and cowboy hat ensemble, expressed her gratitude to Wonder and revealed a special collaboration on her new country-inspired album, ‘Cowboy Carter’. Stevie Wonder plays harmonica on her rendition of the classic song ‘Jolene’.
Also Read: Lady Gaga’s Best Collaborations: From ‘Telephone’ With Beyoncé to ‘Cheek to Cheek’ With Tony Bennett
Beyond the specific details of the award and collaboration, Beyoncé’s acceptance speech delved deeper into the essence of innovation. She acknowledged the challenges faced by those who dare to push boundaries: “Innovation starts with a dream,” she stated, “but the road to execution can be bumpy.”
She highlighted the importance of embracing unconventional ideas and the resilience needed to endure criticism.
The music icon urged the industry, including record labels, radio stations, and award shows, to become more open to artistic exploration. To emphasise this point, she celebrated past innovators who defied categorization, including artists like Rosetta Tharpe and Tracy Chapman, and legends like Prince, Michael Jackson and her collaborator, Stevie Wonder himself.
The speech wasn’t all business. Beyoncé concluded with a heartfelt recognition of her support system, thanking her husband JAY-Z, whom she called “my rock and best friend,” and their children, Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir.
-Sushmita Sarkar