At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Lady Gaga paid tribute to the LGBTQ+ community and emphasised the importance of courage.
At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Lady Gaga received the Innovator Award and seized the opportunity to deliver an inspiring message to both her audience and the LGBTQ+ community. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Gaga highlighted the positive impact of her fanbase and the artists who have influenced her throughout her career, such as David Bowie and Madonna.
The singer thanked her Italian-American grandmothers, whom she considered the “greatest innovators” for their ability to imagine new possibilities. She also remembered her dear friend Tony Bennett, who taught her to appreciate the classics while staying true to her unique style.
Lady Gaga dedicates #iHeartAwards2025 to LGBTQ+ community: “You taught me bravery before the world was ready to listen. You have changed the world for the better and your courage fuels me every single day.” pic.twitter.com/FNpOXPP1YS
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 18, 2025
One of the most emotional moments came when Gaga honoured the LGBTQ+ community, stating that they have changed the world for the better and that their courage had given her strength to keep going. “You taught me to be brave before the world was ready to listen,” she said.
To conclude, Gaga encouraged all artists who have ever felt different not to change, urging them to break the mould and offer their original selves to the world.