Following a show-stopping performance of her smash hit "Diamonds," Rihanna accepted the first-ever Icon Award at the 2013 American Music Awards.
It was presented to her by her mom, Monica Braithwaite, following a video commemoration from Jay Z and a video montage of her career highlights:
"I know the journey and your career has not always been an easy one," Braithwaite told her daughter, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
"But tonight I applaud and admire you for being so strong and so positive and so humble and so focused. I’m so blessed to be part of this historic moment."
Bill Maher first introduced the singer’s performance and her Icon Award.
"She has become, I think, the voice of our time," he opined.
Rihanna then sang "Diamonds" before taking the microphone to accept the AMA honor, using the emotional moment to recall her humble youth.
"Thank you so much," she said, turning to her mom, "I’ll start by saying just about 20 years ago is when I really started making your life a living hell."
Recalling her "annoying little husky man voice," Rihanna said she’d often disrupt the entire neighborhood … I annoyed every one of my neighbors."
Following thank yous to a bevy of people including Jay Z and producer Antonio "L.A." Reid, she ended her speech by expressing her disbelief.
"I can’t believe that at 25 years old I’m holding an Icon award."
We can only imagine what’s do come in the next 25 years.