Lana Del Rey accepted the Visionary Award at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday (March 1). And last year’s Woman of the Year, Olivia Rodrigo, stopped by to introduce the pioneering singer-songwriter.
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Chart-topping, award-winning superstar Rodrigo may only be 20 years old, but he’s already packed more highlights than many people will accomplish in a lifetime. But tonight was all about Del Rey and the many different gifts she shared with her fans.
“Lana has raised an entire generation of music lovers and songwriters like myself,” Rodrigo enthuses, adding, “There is beauty in their weakness, strength in their melancholy.” He taught me.”
Like many of us, Rodrigo was obsessed with “video games” in 2012. “I still think that song is probably the greatest love song of all time,” she explained. “She captures sadness, anger and sensuality in a way only the best songwriters can.”
Greatness doesn’t end with “perfectly written albums, life-changing poems and heavenly voices,” said Rodrigo, praising the living legend for its “unwavering authenticity.”
Billboard’s Visionary Award winner said she “carved her own path. Her entire career has consistently raised the bar for herself, pushed the boundaries, and created life-changing art.”
Three-time Grammy Award winner Rodrigo is one fan whose life has been turned around by Del Rey.
Read the full text of Olivia Rodrigo’s inaugural address below.
Hey guys, thank you so much for being here tonight to celebrate so many amazing women. And it is a great honor to present the Visionary Award to someone who, if challenged, deserves no more: Miss Lana Del Rey.
Lana’s career has spawned 15 Hot 100 hits and eight consecutive Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200. She has equally devoted her passion to her poetry, photography and film, including her collaborations on soundtracks such as ‘Big Eyes’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’.
But more important than the list of lost accolades is the unique way she influences everyone she meets with her music. Lana has nurtured an entire generation of music lovers and songwriters like myself, teaching us that there is beauty in weakness and strength in gloom.
The first song I heard about Lana was “Video Game”. I still think this song is probably the best love song ever. She captures sadness, anger and sensuality in a way only the best songwriters can.
What I admire most about Lana, more than her impeccably written albums, life-changing poems, and heavenly voice, is her unwavering authenticity.
Lana has carved out her own path. Her entire career is constantly raising the bar for herself, pushing her boundaries and creating art that changes her life.
She never sacrificed her unique voice and perspective on the world and industry that always tries to put people in boxes. I really don’t know what you can do.
She’s also the coolest, kindest, nicest girl ever and Lana…I love you.