Beyoncé thanks her ‘rock’ Jay-Z and their ‘3 beautiful children’ in iHeartRadio Music Awards 2024 speech

She’ll be their protector.

Beyoncé sweetly paid a rare tribute to her husband, Jay-Z, and their three kids during the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday night.

“My husband, my rock, my best friend, I love you,” she said while accepting the Innovator Award. “My three beautiful children, who continue to be my inspiration and my biggest blessing.”

Beyoncé, 42, married Jay-Z, 54, in 2008. They welcomed daughter Blue Ivy in 2012 followed by twins Rumi and Sir in 2017.

The “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer also took a moment to shout out the innovators who paved the way for her illustrious career, including Stevie Wonder, who presented her with the trophy.

“Thank you to Rosetta Tharpe, Miss Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Stevie Wonder, André 3000, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and so many more who defied any label placed upon them,” she said while dressed in a Western-themed black leather Versace outfit.

“Thank you for executing your dream so we could all follow.”

iHeartRadio recognized Beyoncé’s achievements just three days after she released her eighth album, “Cowboy Carter,” which Page Six reviewed as “the revival that country music so desperately needed.”

Queen Bey has said that she decided to record the 27-track project, which features legendary artists including Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, after feeling unwelcome when she performed at the 2016 CMA Awards.

In Monday’s acceptance speech, Beyoncé touched upon the backlash she has received over the years for crossing genres.

“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. Being an innovator is leaning on faith and trusting that God will catch you and guide you,” she said.

“So to all the record labels, every radio station, every awards show, my hope is that we’re more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art with no preconceived notions.”