Beyoncé surprises fans by saying Stevie Wonder played harmonica on ‘Jolene’ at iHeartRadio Awards

Beyoncé has greater than just a few surprises up her sleeve!

The 42-year-old singer revealed that Stevie Wonder performed on her latest album “Cowboy Carter” during her acceptance speech for the iHeartRadio Awards in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Beyoncé said that Wonder, who presented her with the Innovator Award, played harmonica on her song “Jolene”, a canopy of Dolly Parton’s 1973 single.

“Thank you so much Steve, I love you. I love and respect you,” she said during her speech. “I want to thank you for creating a path for all of us. I’m honored to receive this recognition from you, Stevie Wonder. Whenever someone asks me if there is anyone I can listen to for the rest of my life, it’s always you. So thank you and God bless you.”

To which Wonder replied, “I want to thank you for motivating the world to become a better place.”

Beyoncé then added, “And thank you for playing harmonica on “Jolene.”

Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene” features adapted lyrics during which she warns the girl in query to not mess together with her man, moderately than “begging” her as shown in Parton’s version. The song is just considered one of many modern songs on the album “Cowboy Carter,” which was released on Friday, March 29.

While accepting the award, Beyoncé talked about her approach to innovation.

“Innovation starts with a dream. But then you have got to make that dream come true, and that road might be very bumpy,” she said. “Being an innovator is about seeing what everyone else thinks is unattainable. Being an innovator often means being criticized, which regularly tests your mental strength. Being an innovator is about having faith and trusting that God will catch you and guide you.

“With this, I say to every record company, every radio station and every award show that we are more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art without preconceived notions,” she continued. “I want to dedicate this award to all the innovators who have dedicated their lives and their art to creating change. So thank you for your sacrifices, powerful voices and fearless spirits.”

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The singer thanked her husband Jay-Z and their three children, daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi, and son Sir, before paying tribute to the black singers and music icons who got here before her.

“Thank you Rosetta Tharpe. Miss Tracy Chapman, Linda Martell, Prince, Stevie Wonder, André 3000, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and many others who defied every label that was thrown at them. Thank you for making your dream come true so that we can all follow it.”