Beyoncé commends trailblazers, such as Stevie Wonder, for daring to go beyond traditional labels and expectations.

Beyoncé honored pioneers in the music industry who broke barriers and did not conform to societal expectations or labels.

The singer-songwriter received the Innovator Award from Stevie Wonder on Monday night at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles.

During her speech at the Dolby Theater, the artist Cowboy Carter discussed the difficulties of attempting something new.

“Tonight you called me an innovator, and for that I’m very grateful,” she said. “Innovation starts with a dream. But then you have to execute that dream, and that road can be very bumpy. Being an innovator is seeing what everyone believes is impossible. Being an innovator often means being criticized, which often will test your mental strength.,” she stated.

She then acknowledged the innovators who have devoted their lives and talent to bring about changes.

“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, André 3000, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, and so many more who defied any label placed upon them. Thank you for executing your dream so we could all follow.”

Beyoncé expressed to Stevie Wonder that she could listen to his music forever and thanked him for playing the harmonica on her new cover of "Jolene."

She continued by hoping that “all the record labels, every radio station, every award show” to be more “open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art with no preconceived notions.”

The country singer's debut album, Cowboy Carter, received positive reviews when it was released on March 29.

Below is her acceptance speech