American Music Awards: Taylor Swift Sends Heartfelt Message to Honoree Diana Ross

Taylor Swift couldn’t be at the 2017 American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night, but she still popped up during the broadcast. But it wasn’t to promote her brand new album Reputation that came out just nine days ago; instead, Swift made an appearance to honor this year’s lifetime achievement award winner, Diana Ross.

“I don’t personally know anyone in music who hasn’t been inspired by you and influenced by you,” Swift said in previously recorded message to Ross. “You are elegant and fierce and strong and brave, and you have paved the way for everyone who does what we do now, including me, so thank you.”

Swift wasn’t up for any awards this year, but the Reputation era has just begun: She’s already sold more than 1 million copies in just the first week alone. As for Ross, she’ll be performing some of her biggest hits to close out the show as she accepts her lifetime achievement honor.

Watch Swift’s tribute to Ross below.

This story first appeared on Billboard.com.