After two-stand out performances, Jennifer Lopez was awarded with the 2014 Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards tonight (May 18) live from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“You continue to break down barriers and inspire girls,” Rihanna said in a video montage, which included other A-list celebrities, including Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, Pitbull and Taylor Swift, sharing kind words on the legendary pop singer.
Before accepting the award from presenters, Ricky Martin and Iggy Azalea, JLo took the stage for the second time on the night with a debut performance “First Love,” the second single from her upcoming “A.K.A.” album.
Lopez kept the audience on her feet as she stepped back onto the stage to receive the Icon Award. “Oh my God! What the heck?” JLo said as she grasped the award. “Music has always been my first love.”
She continued to thank God, her fans, family, friends, management (Benny Medina), Latinos (“para mi gente”) and wished for the “little ones” who were watching from home to follow their dreams.
Lopez is the first women to receive the BBMA accolade. Past winners of the Icon Award include Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder and Prince.
Billboard Music Awards 2014: Red Carpet Photos
Earlier in the night, JLo took the stage with long-time collaborator and friend Pitbull and Claudia Lette, to premiere the official anthem of this year’s FIFA World Cup, “We Are One (Ole Ola).”
We are one with @JLo, @Pitbull and @ClaudiaLeitte! #BBMAs
https://t.co/ewkvI2IbXs
— BillboardMusicAwards (@OfficialBBMAs) May 19, 2014