Blame it all on his roots! Garth Brooks was honored with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards on Wednesday night. The 19-time Billboard Music Award winner took the stage at the BBMAs to perform a medley of his greatest hits including, “The Thunder Rolls,” “Standing Outside the Fire,” “The River,” “The Dance,” “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” “Dive Bar,” and – of course – his most famous, well-known hit, “Friends in Low Places.” 2017 Icon award winner, Cher, was on hand to present Brooks with the prestigious award.
In his acceptance speech, Brooks took the time to thank the women in his life; including the “love of his life,” Trisha Yearwood, and three daughters, Taylor, August and Allie. He also gave a shoutout to the big man upstairs, saying “if I would have to thank one person, it would be God almighty […] through him, all things are possible.” He ended his speech with a nod to country radio and county music fans around the world, proclaiming “thank you for my life!”
Brooks is the first country genre artist to receive this highly coveted award. He now joins a star-studded list of 9 winners including Mariah Carey, who won in 2019, Janet Jackson in 2018, Cher in 2017, Céline Dion in 2016, Jennifer Lopez (aka. Jenny from the Block) in 2014, Prince in 2013, Stevie Wonder in 2012, and Neil Diamond in 2011.
Up next for this “icon” is the release of his long-awaited album, Fun, which was delayed due to the pandemic. Although Brooks has released a few tracks on Amazon Music, including “Party Gras” and “That’s What Cowboys Do,” many fans are anxious to hear the studio recording of his and Trisha Yearwood’s cover of “Shallow.” The couple performed a rendition of the Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper duet during a Facebook Live concert in March, but fans are enthusiastic to have the “official” recording in their hands.
Congratulations to 2020 BBMA Icon Award Winner, Garth Brooks. We can’t wait for more Garth Brooks Fun headed our way!
