The Houston, TX pop star thanked Stevie Wonder, who presented her the award, as well as Tracy Chapman, André 3000, and Tina Turner.
Watch Beyoncé Accept the Innovator Award at 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards
Beyoncé revealed that Stevie Wonder played harmonica on her cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” while accepting the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
On Monday night (April 1), Beyoncé took the stage at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre to accept the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, mere days after releasing her new album, Cowboy Carter. The pop star accepted the trophy from Stevie Wonder, who she thanked for playing harmonica on “Jolene,” and dedicated the award to her innovators: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Stevie Wonder, André 3000, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson. Watch a recap of the moment below.
“I love you and I honor you,” Beyoncé said to Wonder during her speech. “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.”
“Innovation starts with a dream, but then you have to execute that dream and that road can be very bumpy,” she continued. “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.”