Rihanna is presented with first-ever Icon Award at 2013 AMAs

After gracing the stage with a performance of her double-platinum hit, “Diamonds,” 25-year-old Bajan beauty Rihanna, introduced by Bill Maher as “the voice of our generation,” was honored with the first-ever Icon Award at the 41st Annual American Music Awards.

Prior to receiving the award, mentor Jay Z made an appearance via a congratulatory video message, telling her how proud he was and that he knew she was special upon their first encounter. After being shown a video tribute showcasing many of Rih’s accomplishments, she was presented with the phenomenal award by her mother, Monica Fenty.

“Rihanna, I’m so proud of you tonight. I know the journey in your career has not always been an easy one, but tonight I applaud and admire you for being so strong and so positive, and so humble and so focused. It’s amazing how you always manage to take good from all your experiences, I’m so blessed to a part of this historic moment. I just want to say how proud I am to present to you the first-ever AMAs Icon Award.”

Overjoyed, Rihanna confessed that she wasn’t the best at giving speeches, however, she was able to to get it together as she thanked her family, L.A. Reid, Jay Z and her fans, among many other important figures in her life.

“I can’t believe that at 25 years old, I’m holding an Icon Award,” Rih Rih stated.

As if winning an Icon Award wasn’t enough, Rihanna also took home an award for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist.

– Antionette Latrese