Rihanna receives Icon Award at AMAs

Rihanna was given the Icon Award at last night’s American Music Awards 2013.

The singer became the first-ever recipient of the prize at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Real Time host Bill Maher presented the award to Rihanna, and referred to her as “the voice of our time”.

The popstar then performed ‘Diamonds’, which was followed by a congratulatory message from her mentor Jay Z.

Rihanna’s mother Monica was soon welcomed to the stage to pay tribute to her daughter, saying: “You’re so strong. So positive. So humble. So focused. It’s amazing… I’m so blessed to be a part of this historic moment.”

“I’m terrible at giving speeches,” Rihanna then joked as she accepted the award.

The popstar continued more seriously: “To my fans – I love you so much. You keep me driven. Right now, at 25 years old, I can’t believe that I am holding an ‘Icon Award’… I’m grateful!”