Lenny Kravitz reflects on resisting efforts to make him change in People’s Choice Awards speech
Lenny Kravitz celebrated “daring to be different” as he picked up the Music Icon Award at the People’s Choice Awards.
The 59-year-old singer was honoured with the prestigious accolade at Sunday’s (18.02.24) ceremony at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and reflected how he initially had to fight against being told to change himself in order to be successful.
Speaking on stage, he told the audience: “When I was thinking about what to say tonight, I kept going back to that word icon.
“It means a lot of things to a lot of people, but to me, it means you’ve made an indelible mark by being who God created you to be and daring to be different. When I was first coming up, a lot of people offered me a lot of deals. But they wanted me to change.
“My music wasn’t black enough. It wasn’t white enough. It didn’t fit nicely inside a box or sound like what was on the radio at the time, and I turned down the money and the glitzy promises of fame, and stardom because I couldn’t live with myself doing something inauthentic.”
The ‘Fly Away’ hitmaker credits his genuine love for his music, as well as his faith, for his success.
He added: “I’ve been doing this a very long time, more than 35 years.
“An icon, to me, is someone who inspires and teaches others to believe in themselves, and their direction, whatever that direction is.
“It’s never been about how many records I sell, or how many awards I win. It’s not about trying to write hits or being calculated or formulaic. It’s about enjoying and being grateful for the journey and using the gifts that God gave you.”
Lenny also reflected on the mantra he’s followed throughout his career.
He explained: “Never follow the trends, set your own pace and recognise that the best is right here, right now, in front of you.”
The ‘Hunger Games’ star went on to thank his team and his fans, as well as paying tribute to his parents Sy Kravitz and Roxie Roker for “taking me to all those amazing concerts when I was a kid instead of leaving me home with the babysitter”.
Before accepting the award from Victoria Monet, Lenny treated the audience to a medley of his biggest hits, including ‘Fly Away’, ‘It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over’ and ‘TK421’.
News Related-
Pedestrian in his 70s dies after being struck by a lorry in Co Laois
-
Vermont shooting updates: Burlington police reveal suspect’s eerie reaction to arrest
-
Grace Dent says her ‘heart is broken’ as she exits I’m A Celebrity early
-
Stromer’s ST3 Urban E-Bike Goes Fancy With Minimalist Design, Modern Tech
-
Under-pressure Justice Minister announces review of the use of force for gardaí
-
My appearance has changed because of ageing, says Jennifer Lawrence
-
Man allegedly stabbed in the head during row in Co Wexford direct provision centre
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City
-
Wexford gardai investigating assault as man is bitten in the face during Main Street altercation
-
Child minder’s husband handed eight year sentence for abusing two children
-
The full list of the best London restaurants, cafes and takeaways revealed at the Good Food Awards
-
Mazda CEO Says EVs 'Not Taking Off' In The U.S.—Except Teslas
-
Leitrim locals set up checkpoint to deter asylum seekers
-
Ask A Doctor: Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?