- Posted January 9, 2026
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Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Variety
Lil Nas X, Normani, City Girls, Jack Harlow and Polo G were among the honorees at Variety‘s Hitmakers Brunch in Los Angeles Saturday.
The Innovator of the Year Award was presented to Lil Nas by Chloe Bailey.
“By being exactly who he is and commanding attention, by creating a universe that is both undeniable and exceptionally entertaining, he’s kicked in the door,” Bailey said.
“It was very scary to try to follow up and keep it going,” the “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” rapper said about following up his RIAA 15-times Platinum, 2019 breakthrough hit, “Old Town Road.” “I came out. I was myself. I did what