Beyoncé accepted the Innovator Award from 25-time Grammy winner Stevie Wonder at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday night.
The US singer-songwriter, wearing a black leather suit with a matching cowboy hat, thanked Wonder for playing the harmonica on her version of Dolly Parton's 1973 hit Jolene, which features on her new album Act II: Cowboy Carter.
In the presence of music icons 🤩❤️ @Beyonce @StevieWonder
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"Whenever anyone asks me if there’s anyone that I could listen to for the rest of my life, it’s always you," she told him.
The 42-year-old dedicated her award to all the innovators who have "dedicated their lives and their art to creating shifts", listing Rosetta Tharpe, Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Wonder, Andre 3000, Tina Turner and Michael Jackson.
"(They) defied any label placed upon them, thank you for executing your dream so we could all follow," she said.
Beyoncé also thanked her husband, Jay-Z, describing him as "my rock, my best friend, I love you" and her "three beautiful children who continue to be my inspiration, my biggest blessing".
"Innovation starts with a dream, but then you have to execute that dream and that road can be very bumpy," she said.
"Being an innovator is seeing what everyone believes is impossible. Being an innovator often means being criticised 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 awards show, my hope is that we’re more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art with no preconceived notions."
Beyoncé was recognised for her pioneering career, decades of creative risks, and influence on pop culture "on the level that Beyonce has", including last year’s "groundbreaking" Renaissance World Tour.
Source: Press Association
