At 25 years of age, it’s amazing that Rihanna is being called an icon. At the 2013 American Music Awards Sunday night (Nov. 24), the R&B superstar received the first-ever Icon Award for trailblazing career in music.

Veteran funnyman Bill Maher introduced RiRi as the "voice of our generation" and presented a tribute video, which looked back at Rihanna’s expansive career from her first album, 2005s 'Music of the Sun' to infectious single 'Umbrella' to latest her effort, 'Unapologetic.'

Rihanna then graced the stage with a sexy performance of 'Diamonds.' The Bajan beauty looked stunning in her all-black gown and matching stiletto heels.

Afterward, the 'Stay' singer watch a video message from Jay Z who was beaming with pride of the R&B songbird.

Finally, her biggest supporter came out to give Rihanna the coveted Icon Award — her mother, Monica Braithwaite Fenty.

"First of all I'd liked to say all praises and honor be to God Almighty through Jesus," she said. "Rihanna I'm so proud of you tonight. I know the journey in your career has not always been an easy one but tonight I applaud and admire you for being so strong and so positive and so humble and so focused."

"It's amazing how you always manage to take good from all your experiences," she continued. "I’m so blessed to be a part of this historic moment. I just want to say how proud I am to present to you the first ever AMAs Icon Award."

Rihanna was so overwhelmed and admitted that she wasn’t good at giving speeches. But she pulled through and ran down a list of thank you's. She thanked Jay Z and many others. But, in the end, RiRi saluted her family for holding her down throughout her career.

"So many people I have to thank for the success of keeping me sane, my friends, my brothers, my glam team, my fans I love you so much, you keep me driven," she said. "You keep this thing special. I can't believe I'm 25 years old and I'm holding an Icon Award. I thank you and I'm grateful. I’m only as good as my team so I love you guys so much. Thank you!"

Earlier in the night, Rihanna won a trophy for Favorite Female Artist -- Soul/R&B.

Congratulations to Rihanna on her two honors and for being such an icon.

Rihanna
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
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