Less than a week after the release of her new album Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé was honored with the Innovator award at the iHeartRadio Awards. This award celebrates artists who have made a significant impact on music history and popular culture. Stevie Wonder himself welcomed Beyoncé on stage, highlighting her status as one of the most nominated artists in Grammy Awards history. “It’s always you,” Beyoncé said, moved by Wonder’s words.
For this event, Beyoncé chose a vintage look from Versace, sporting a leather ensemble with iconic details, once again highlighting her influence in fashion as much as in music. In her speech, she addressed the challenges of innovation, encouraging everyone to pursue their dreams despite criticism.
The album Cowboy Carter marks a turning point in Beyoncé’s career. Her country style faced criticism, notably due to racial prejudices in the industry. However, this album pays tribute to the African roots of country music and highlights contemporary Afro-descendant artists.
Beyoncé also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of openness and diversity in music. She paid tribute to influential African-American musical figures and surprised the audience by revealing Stevie Wonder’s participation on the track Jolene, highlighting a harmonious collaboration in mutual respect.
This moment was an opportunity for Beyoncé to pay tribute to her family. She shared her love and gratitude towards her husband and their children, a source of inspiration for her.
With Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé is not just breaking musical barriers, she is celebrating the diverse cultural contributions to country music.