In her first major TV appearance since the release of Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé was presented with the Innovator Award at Monday night's iHeart Radio Music Awards.
The honor comes as the former Destiny Child's singer has received widespread critical acclaim for her new 27-song, genre-bending opus, which was released on Friday (March 29).
Beyoncé was presented with the award by the legendary Stevie Wonder for her innovations in music as well as her philanthropic efforts.
In accepting the award, Beyoncé said, "Tonight, you called me an innovator and for that, I'm very grateful. Innovation starts with a dream. But then you have to execute that dream and that role can be very bumpy."
"Being an innovator is saying what everyone believes is impossible," she added. "Being an innovator often means being criticized, which often will test your mental strength. Being an innovator is leaning on faith, trusting that God will catch you and guide you."
Aside from the special honor, Beyoncé also [won or was nominated] for R&B Artist of the Year, R&B Song of the Year for "CUFF IT" and Favorite On Screen for Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé as well as Favorite Tour Style.
Ludacris hosted the show broadcast on FOX from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Cher also received a special honor, the Icon Award, in celebration of her contributions to music and pop culture over her six-decade-long career. The singer-actress is the only artist ever to top a Billboard chart in seven consecutive decades and has sold more than 100 million records to date.
Along with the awards, the show also featured performances by Ludacris, Justin Timberlake, Green Day, TLC, Jelly Roll and others.
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