Erykah Badu Honored as CFDA Fashion Icon with Heartfelt Tribute from André 3000

Erykah Badu was recently honored with the Fashion Icon Award at the CFDA Awards in New York City.

On Tuesday (Oct. 29), her ex-boyfriend and frequent collaborator, André 3000, took the stage to present her with the honor, giving a moving introduction. “When Erykah said to me, ‘I got some good news to tell you,’ I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know if she was gonna say, ‘I’m pregnant’ or ‘I’m in a new relationship,’” he joked.

The former Outkast member continued, “So then she lets me know, ‘I’m getting the CFDA Award, Fashion Icon Award.’ And then our excitement and celebration, we said something like, ‘Wooo! This the one. And what took ’em so damn long to recognize?’”

He continued, “Erykah is one of the most original and unique human beings I’ve ever known. Her style is truly original. She’s an inspiration to everyone she meets. She’s an iconoclast, an outcast, a warrior, rule-breaker, educator, activist, magician, seer, songwriter, singer, mother and a great, great friend.”

André added, “She makes the world a brighter, more colorful, joyous, committed and meaningful place to be. It is my pleasure to present the CFDA Fashion Icon Award to Erykah Badu.”

Dressed in her signature bold style, adorned with intricate head jewelry, Badu embraced André, warmly calling him her “best friend.” The two have a lasting connection, having dated from 1996 to 1999 and welcoming their son, Seven Sirius Benjamin, in 1997. Though their romantic relationship ended long ago, Badu and André remain close and supportive of each other.