Jennifer Lopez became the first female artist to be honoured with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards last night (18.05.14).
The ‘I Luh Ya Papi’ singer took to the stage at the Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena to accept the gong after a video montage of A-list stars including Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, Pitbull and Taylor Swift shared their memories of her.
Rihanna also told Jennifer: "You continue to break down barriers and inspire girls."
J.Lo accepted the award from presenters Ricky and Iggy Azalea and said: "Oh my God! What the heck? Music has always been my first love."
She continued to thank God, her fans, family, friends and boyfriend Casper Smart, who was sitting in the audience with her mother Guadalupe and sister Lynda Lopez.
The star added: "All you little ones sitting on the living room floor, have faith, dream big, think big. And know that anything is possible, you never know where you might end up."
J.Lo performed twice during the night, with long-time collaborator Pitbull and Claudia Lette, to premiere the official anthem of this year’s FIFA World Cup, ‘We Are One (Ole Ola)’, and her song ‘First Love’ from her new album ‘A.K.A’.
Past winners of the Icon Award include Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder and Prince.
Jennifer Lopez first female to win Icon Award
