Beyonce has thanked Stevie Wonder for playing the harmonica on her cover of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’.
The pop star covered the classic track on her new country album ‘Cowboy Carter’ and she revealed Wonder’s involvement when he presented her with the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday (01.04.24).
Beyonce started her acceptance speech by thanking Wonder, saying: “Thank you so much Stevie, I love you. I love you and I honour you. I want to thank you for making a way for all of us.
“I’m honoured to receive this recognition from you, Stevie Wonder. Whenever anyone asks me if there’s anyone I can listen to for the rest of my life, it’s always you. So thank you, God bless you.”
Wonder responded: “I want to thank you for motivating the world to be a better place,” before Beyonce went on to add: “And thank you for playing the harmonica on ‘Jolene’.”
Beyonce then went on to talk about her award, saying: “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 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 award show, my hope is that we’re more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art with no preconceived notions.
“I want to dedicate this award to all the innovators who have dedicated their lives and their art to creating shifts. So thank you for your sacrifices, your powerful voices and your dauntless spirits.”
She also thanked her husband Jay-Z – who she her called her “rock” – and their three children before adding: “Thank you to Rosetta Tharpe. Miss Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Andre 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.”
The event also featured a tribute to pop icon Cher, who received the Icon Award, as well as performances by Justin Timberlake, Green Day, TLC, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Tate McRae.