On Monday night (April 1), Beyoncé arrived at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards dressed as Cowboy Carter to win the Innovator Award from living icon Stevie Wonder.
She also disclosed that Wonder performed the harmonica on her cover of Dolly Parton’s 1973 hit “Jolene.”
“Thank you so much, Stevie; I love you. “I love you and honor you,” Bey began as she joined the 73-year-old onstage. “I would like to thank you for making a way for all of us. I’m thrilled to be recognized by you, Stevie Wonder. When someone asks me who I can listen to for the rest of my life, I always say you. So thank you, and God bless you.
READ MORE: Beyonce Joined Her Daughter Rumi Carter On The Tear-Jerking ‘Cowboy Carter’ Track
“And thank you for playing the harmonica on ‘Jolene,'” she continued, as Wonder commended her “for motivating the world to be a better place.”
READ MORE: Post Malone And Miley Cyrus Are On Beyoncé’s New Album
The Act II song has a twist on Parton’s original lyric, in which she begs a promiscuous lady to leave her guy alone. In Bey’s interpretation, she warns the woman to focus on the business that pays her. Since its debut, the tune has gotten mixed reviews, with some praising the cover’s creativity and others remaining loyal to the original.
In her address, Beyoncé discussed what it means to be an innovator and earn such an award, stating that “Innovation starts with a dream” that must be realized. She also mentioned that pursing her dreams can be “bumpy.”
“Being an innovator means perceiving what others think is impossible. Being an inventor frequently involves being criticized, which tests your mental fortitude,” she added. “Being an inventor is relying on faith and believing that God will catch and guide you. So, to all record labels, radio stations, and award shows, my wish is that we will be more receptive to the joy and liberation that comes from experiencing art without preconceived assumptions.
“I’d want to dedicate this award to all of the innovators who have committed their lives and creativity to causing change. So thank you for your sacrifices, strong voices, and fearless spirits,” she said.
The Houston superstar also used the opportunity to recognize pioneers who paved the road for her, including “Rosetta Tharpe, Miss Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Wonder, André 3000, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, and so many more who defied any label placed upon them.”
Parton, Willie Nelson, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Linda Martell, Shaboozey, Willie Jones, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone all provide songs to Act II: Cowboy Carter, in addition to Wonder.
Watch Beyoncé get her Innovator Award from Stevie Wonder above.
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