Lady Gaga was honored with the Innovator Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, a recognition that celebrates her profound impact on the music industry and her role as a cultural trailblazer. Accepting the award, Gaga reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career. “I feel like I’ve been doing this forever, and on the other hand, I know I’m just getting started,” she remarked, emphasizing her commitment to ongoing creativity and evolution.

Gaga’s acceptance speech highlighted her belief in authenticity as the cornerstone of innovation. “Innovation isn’t about breaking rules; it’s about writing your own and convincing the world they were theirs all along,” she stated, referencing her bold choices, from her iconic Grammy entrance in an egg to creating anthems that challenged societal norms. Her journey as a pop star has been marked by a continuous evolution of style and sound, ranging from dance floor hits to jazz standards.

In a heartfelt tribute, Gaga honored the women in her family, particularly her grandmothers, whom she described as “fiercely brilliant Italian American women” who shaped their destinies through strength and determination. She acknowledged the influence of musical legends like David Bowie, Elton John, and her late friend Tony Bennett, who encouraged her to embrace the classics while remaining unbound by them.

Gaga also took a moment to express her deep appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community, attributing her bravery to their courage and support. “You taught me bravery before the world was ready to listen,” she noted. In closing, she urged fellow artists to embrace their uniqueness, stating, “The world doesn’t need another copy; it desperately needs your original.” The evening marked not only a celebration of Gaga’s illustrious career but also a reaffirmation of her ongoing commitment to authenticity and innovation in the arts.