Entertainment Music Country Beyoncé Asks People to Be 'More Open to the Joy' of Art as She Receives Innovator Prize at 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards "Being an innovator often means being criticized, which often will test your mental strength," the singer said By Rachel DeSantis Rachel DeSantis Rachel DeSantis is a staff writer on the music team at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2019, and her work has previously appeared in Entertainment Weekly and the New York Daily News. People Editorial Guidelines and Ilana Kaplan Ilana Kaplan Ilana Kaplan is a Senior Digital Writer/Editor at PEOPLE. They have been working at PEOPLE since 2023. Their work has previously appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Vogue and more. People Editorial Guidelines Published on April 1, 2024 10:30PM EDT Close Beyoncé at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on April 1. 2024. Photo: Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Beyoncé is on top! On Monday night, the "Texas Hold 'Em" singer, 42, received the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, and used her moment in the spotlight to implore others to open their ears to enjoying art "with no preconceived notions." Beyoncé was given her award by Stevie Wonder, who called the star "a true visionary" and later thanked her for "motivating the world to become a better place." As she took the stage, Beyoncé — dressed in black leather and a cowboy hat — thanked Wonder right back, and revealed that he plays harmonica on her version of "Jolene," which is featured on her new country-inspired album Cowboy Carter. "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." Beyoncé at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on April 1. 2024. Kevin Winter/Getty The 32-time Grammy winner continued, asking "all the record labels, every radio station, every award show" to be more open to innovation within the music industry, and more accepting of out-of-the-box ideas. "My hope is that we're more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art, with no preconceived notions," she said. The star went on to thank all those before her who had paved the way by defying "any label placed upon them," including Rosetta Tharpe, Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Wonder, Andre 3000, Tina Turner and Michael Jackson. Beyoncé at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on April 1. 2024. Kevin Winter/Getty She wrapped her speech with a sweet shoutout to husband JAY-Z, whom she called "my rock [and] best friend," as well as her kids, daughter Blue Ivy, 12, and twins Rumi and Sir, 6½. "My three beautiful children who continue to be my inspiration and my biggest blessing," she said. Beyoncé was honored for her influence on pop culture, her various creative risks throughout her career, and her ability to “successfully transform [her] music,” per a press release. Check out all of PEOPLE's full iHeartRadio Music Awards coverage here. June Carter Cash's Daughter Carlene Welcomes Beyoncé to Country Music: 'She's One of Us Carter Women' The star's honor comes three days after the release of her ninth studio album, Act II: Cowboy Carter. Beyoncé first announced she was releasing a new LP during a Super Bowl commercial in February. The commercial teased that the second act of Renaissance was set for release on March 29. Then, promptly after the commercial aired, the megastar shared two singles from her latest album: "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Beyoncé at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles on April 1. 2024. Amy Sussman/Getty iHeartRadio Music Awards 2024: Ludacris to Host, Beyoncé to Receive Innovator Award Since its release, "Texas Hold 'Em" hit No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, making Beyoncé the first Black female artist to ever reach the top spot on the chart. Along with Beyoncé's honor, Cher received this year’s Icon Award with a special musical tribute. The show also revealed that the "Believe" artist, 77, will be honored for “her unparalleled contributions to music and pop culture for over seven decades," per a press release. Alongside the tribute performance, Justin Timberlake, Green Day, TLC, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Tate McRae are all taking the stage during the April 1 event. The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards are airing live on Monday from the Dolby Theatre at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.