At the 2024 People’s Choice Awards, Lenny Kravitz was honored with the Music Icon Award. While Taylor Swift, who won four awards, couldn’t make it due to her tour in Australia, Kravitz stole the spotlight with his classic hits and heartfelt speech.
Kravitz kicked off with “Fly Away” and continued with a medley of his popular songs like “It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over,” “Let Love Rule,” and “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” Victoria Monét, a triple Grammy Award winner, then presented Kravitz with the Music Icon Award.
Reflecting on the meaning of being an icon, Kravitz said it’s about making a lasting impact by staying true to oneself. He recalled how early in his career, record labels wanted him to change his style to fit in with what was popular. Despite tempting offers, Kravitz stayed authentic to his music and refused to compromise his identity for fame or money.
For Kravitz, being an icon means inspiring others to believe in themselves and their unique path. He emphasized that his journey has never been about commercial success or awards but about enjoying the ride and using his talents authentically. Kravitz shared that his mantra has always been to set his own pace and never follow trends, believing that the best moments are happening in the present.
During the event, Victoria Monét praised Kravitz as a multi-talented individual, describing him as a singer, songwriter, producer, actor, designer, and philanthropist. She highlighted his ability to defy categorization and labeled him as the king of spreading love through his music.
In his acceptance speech, Kravitz expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on his lifelong passion for music. He emphasized that his love for music predates his career as a musician and reiterated his commitment to staying true to his artistic vision.
Overall, the night celebrated Kravitz’s contributions to the music industry and his status as an enduring icon. Despite the challenges he faced early in his career, Kravitz remained steadfast in his authenticity, inspiring generations of artists to follow their own path and embrace their uniqueness.
