Everything You Need to Know About Beyoncé Accepting the IHeartRadio Music Innovator Award

At the IHeartRadio Music Awards, the prestigious Innovator Award was bestowed upon the acclaimed singer and performer Beyoncé, making it a memorable night on April 1.

Wearing a stunningly elegant, intricately designed black leather cowgirl ensemble, Beyoncé confidently strode onto the stage to graciously accept the prestigious award presented by the legendary Stevie Wonder. This showcased a heartwarming moment of mutual admiration and celebration between two musical powerhouses.

While both musicians were still on stage together, Beyoncé expressed her gratitude to Wonder for playing the harmonica on her new track Jolene, featured on her latest album, Cowboy Carter. Before Wonder walked off the stage, he told the queen bee, “I just want to thank you for motivating the world to become a better place.”

The Texas Hold ‘Em singer began her speech by explaining what being an innovator means to her. “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.”

Continuing her speech, she dedicated the award to the many innovators who put their heart and soul into their craft. “I want to dedicate this award to all the innovators who have dedicated their lives and their art to creating a shift so thank you for your sacrifices, your powerful voices, and your dauntless spirits. Thank you to Rosetta Tharpe, Miss Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Andre 3000, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson—and so many more who defied any label placed upon them. Thank you for executing your dream so we could all follow.”

Many of her fans speculate that Act III will be a rock album because she decided to thank Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock’ n’ Roll, in her speech.

Beyoncé thanked Sister Rosetta Tharpe in her #iHeartRadioAwards Innovator Award Speech. Oh baby, I am in full belief that Act iii is about to be rock n roll! ‘Don’t Hurt Yourself’ hive stand up! pic.twitter.com/IIcHFKNSxK

— muva.✨ (@kayyvella) April 2, 2024

Fans can listen to Cowboy Carter on streaming services here and watch her speech down below.