Jennifer Lopez was recognized with the Icon Award at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards on May 18. Ricky Martin and Iggy Azalea introduced her many accomplishments as businesswoman, performer, actress and philanthropist. “Jennifer Lopez is one of the most iconic performers of her generation,” said Larry Klein, producer of the award show. “We are thrilled to honor her historic career with the 2014 Icon Award and will be on the edge of our seats like everyone else when she takes the stage.” Not only did she received the award tonight, but she also took the stage for the premiere of the official anthem of this year’s FIFA World Cup, “We Are One (Ole Ola)” with Pitbull as the opening number for this incredible show.
And if you thought that was all the JLo you were going to get for one night, you were wrong. After she was introduced, JLo took the stage to give a debut performance of “First Love,” her newest single from “A.K.A.,” her new studio album set for release on June 17. In a sparkly, black tight jumpsuit, she display her amazing body and her famous assets, as well as she proved once more why she is being honored tonight. She has sure hit another milestone with this accolade presented to her tonight. It is the Billboard Music Awards’ ultimate honor and recognizes lifetime achievement and an artist’s remarkable and enduring contribution to popular music.
Jennifer thanked everyone who helped her throughout her career, especially Tommy Mottola and Corey Rooney, who has been with her since her first album. She thanked her family, her mom and sisters, and she sent a very special message to her fellow Latinos. "Para mi gente Latina: trabajen duro y sueñen en grande. Mucha fe." That can translate to "To my Latin people: work hard, dream big. A lot of faith." She also focused on the little children watching the TV at home and also ecouraged them to pursue their dreams.
Not only has Jennifer Lopez become the fourth artist to receive it, after Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder and Prince, she also became the first woman. This award comes a month before another huge accomplishment, the release of “A.K.A.,” her 10th studio album. "Music has always been my first love," JLo said in a press release when it was announced she would be getting the award. "As a girl who grew up in the Bronx, I listened to everything. In my career I have always made music that is a reflection of me and where I am in my life. I do what I feel and do things that feel authentic to me. I am a lot of different things and I do a lot of different things.”
Watch her rendition of "First Love" and her emotional acceptance speech below.
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