Lenny Kravitz accepts the People’s Music Icon award at the People’s Choice Awards in Santa Monica on Feb. 18, 2024.Photo:Trae Patton/NBC via Getty
Trae Patton/NBC via Getty
Lenny Kravitzwas honored as a certified rock legend when he accepted the 2024People’s Choice Awards' People’s Music Icon award on Sunday.
The 59-year-old rocker — who broke out thanks to 1989’s “Let Love Rule” — took to the stage at the awards ceremony in Santa Monica, California, to play a medley of hits from his incredible career, including his breakout hit, “Fly Away,” “It Ain’t Over ‘til It’s Over,” “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and the more recent single “TK421.”
The crowd erupted in cheers for Kravitz before he accepted the “incredible” award fromVictoria Monét, 34, and said in his speech that part of the word “icon” means “daring to be different” and being yourself instead of something “inauthentic” for money.
“An icon, to me, is someone who inspires and teaches others to believe in themselves, and their direction, whatever that direction is,” he said. “It’s never been about how many records I sell, or how many awards I win. It’s not about trying to write hits, or being calculated or formulaic. It’s about enjoying and being grateful for the journey, and using the gifts that God gave you, and that journey goes how it goes. And it will continue, because I’m just doing me.”
Lenny Kravitz performs at the People’s Choice Awards in Santa Monica on Feb. 18, 2024.Trae Patton/NBC via Getty
He concluded his passionate speech, “Love is the strongest power, and love will win. We are all one — one God, one people, one planet. Let love rule, y’all.”
The genre-defying singer/guitarist, whosecareer spans more than 30 years, wasannounced as this year’s music icon award honoreein January.
At the time, Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment shared a statement about their decision to recognize theGrammywinner: “With 11 studio albums across a decades-long career, Lenny Kravitz has cemented himself as a global rock superstar.”
“Whether he’s writing and performing his own hit songs or working behind the scenes writing for other industry greats, Lenny’s musical gift is truly unmatched,” Neal continued. “We’re thrilled to honor him as this year’s Music Icon and look forward to seeing what he brings to the stage.”
Lenny Kravitz at the People’s Choice Awards in Santa Monica on Feb. 18, 2024.Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Kravitz was honored with Sunday’s award several weeks after hereceived the Recording Academy Global Impact Awardahead of the 2024 Grammys.
As of late, “Road to Freedom,” the rock star’s song for the 2023 biopicRustinstarringColman Domingoas civil rights activistBayard Rustin, has also received a great deal of awards recognition, including nominations at theGolden GlobesandCritics Choice Awards.
The “American Woman” singer is currently gearing up to release his 12th studio album,Electric Blue Light, which is due out May 24 via Roxie and BMG. The highly anticipated project marks his first full-length record since 2018’sRaise Vibrations.
Kravitz shared the upcoming album’s lead single “TK421” in October of last year along with itsinternet-breaking music video.
Lenny Kravitz in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 2024.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
While appearing on thecover of a recent issue of PEOPLE, the hitmaker reflected on his storied career and early days as trying to make it as a Black artist whose sound touched everything from rock to funk to soul.
“I was told my music wasn’t Black enough or wasn’t white enough,” Kravitz said, noting that regarding his eclectic musical interests, record labels “said I had to make a choice, but I never did.”
The singer continued, “I was told that I need tomake the music that Black peoplecommercially are making that’s on the radio, so you’ll have success. And I just could never get with any of that. I was going to make the music that I made.”
“It’s sort of amazing to me that I could be where I am now and feel fresh and hungry,” Kravitz shared. “This is who God created me to be. I’m just trying to walk in that destiny.”
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The 2024 People’s Choice Awards are airing live on NBC, Peacock and E!
source: people.com
