Lady Gaga was honored with the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday night in a star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles. The pop icon, known for her groundbreaking music and boundary-pushing performances, was introduced by rapper Doechii, who shared a heartfelt tribute to Gaga’s impact on her life and career.
Doechii, a Grammy Award-winning artist, spoke about how Gaga’s influence helped her navigate her own identity growing up. “Growing up, I was nothing like most of the people I was around, and everything about me represented a community of alternative kids that were underrepresented in my environment,” Doechii said. “I was considered weird, but it’s OK, because things worked out. As a kid that identified as an artist, as queer, and as a Little Monster, Lady Gaga wasn’t just a pop star, she was a lifeline. Gaga taught us that it was OK to be our real selves, to try new things, to speak out, and to create.”
The rapper further highlighted Gaga’s evolution as an artist, noting her continuous reinvention over the past two decades. “Gaga was and always is new, fresh, and different. And not only is that OK, but it’s ideal. Over the last two decades, her music, her art has constantly evolved from dance floor anthems to pop rock to jazz standards. She has pushed boundaries, including her own, and made all of us feel like we belong,” Doechii said. “Lady Gaga is an innovator because she has to be. She was born that way, and we love her for it. Lady Gaga isn’t just a pop star, but she is your iHeartRadio innovator.”
When Gaga took the stage to accept the prestigious award, she expressed her gratitude to Doechii and the fans who have supported her throughout her career. “I think we can all agree that Doechii is an innovator already,” Gaga said, thanking the rapper for her touching words. “Thank you, Doechii. I’m really, deeply touched by your words.”
The 37-year-old singer, who released her seventh studio album Mayhem earlier this year, also reflected on the ongoing journey of her career. “Innovation isn’t about breaking rules, it’s about writing your own and convincing the world they were theirs all along,” she said.
During her acceptance speech, Gaga took a moment to express her appreciation for her loyal fanbase, affectionately known as her Little Monsters, and the LGBTQ+ community. “Thank you for always seeing me so clearly, from The Fame to Mayhem. Because you saw me, I learned to see myself,” she said. “And to the LGBTQ+ community, you taught me bravery before the world was ready to listen. You changed the world for the better and your courage fuels mine every single day.”
Gaga’s speech was a powerful reminder of the immense impact she has had on both the music industry and on her fans. From her rise to fame with The Fame in 2008 to her current musical evolution, she has continuously challenged expectations and redefined what it means to be an artist.
The Innovator Award is just the latest recognition in Gaga’s illustrious career, which spans multiple genres, including pop, jazz, and rock, and showcases her exceptional talent not only as a singer but also as an actress and advocate for social change. As she continues to evolve as both an artist and a public figure, Gaga’s influence shows no signs of waning.
In addition to her music career, Gaga remains a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, using her platform to speak out for marginalized communities and inspire others to embrace their true selves. As she continues to push boundaries and innovate in all aspects of her life, Lady Gaga’s legacy as a cultural trailblazer is firmly cemented.
