Beyoncé’s new album, Cowboy Carter, has an impressive list of collaborators, and one of them is none other than music legend Stevie Wonder.
After winning the Innovator Award At the iHeartRadio Music Awards The “Texas Hold’em” singer gushed as she handed the gong to the 25-time Grammy Award winner at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Monday night.
“Now Beyoncé is changing music and culture again,” Wonder said of her latest record. “And even when she’s not changing music, she’s changing the world and fighting the good fight.”
The mother-of-three accepted the award and thanked the “I Wish” hitmaker for “paving the way for all of us.”
“And thank you for playing harmonica on ‘Jolene,'” she added.
“Tonight, you called me an innovator, and I’m so grateful for that,” the 32-time Grammy winner said. “Innovation starts with a dream. But the role can be very difficult because you have to put that dream into action. Being an innovator is about doing what everyone believes is impossible. is to say.”
“Being an innovator often means being criticized, which often tests your mental strength. Being an innovator means trusting that God will catch you and guide you. , relying on faith,” she added.
Beyoncé called on labels, radio stations and award shows to be “more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art without preconceptions.”
She also named several black artists who have dedicated their lives and art “to making a difference,” including Rosetta Tharpe, Linda Martell, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and Wonder.
She also sent a special shout out to her husband Jay-Z and their three children.
The singer’s country music-inspired record was released Friday.
“Cowboy Carter” features a medley of guest singers and surprise collaborators, including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus and Post Malone.
The band’s long-awaited eighth studio album follows the 2022 release of Act I: Renaissance.
Other rousing songs on Beyoncé’s album include “Texas Hold’em,” “16 Carriages,” “Bodyguard,” and “Oh Louisiana.”
Earlier this month, Beyoncé revealed what inspired her to make new music, pointing out her bad reputation. 2016 CMA Performance with Chicks That is her driving force.
