Inspirational Speeches From The Teen Choice Awards

Jam-worthy performances, fun awards categories, great teen-friendly stars, hilarious and sometimes awkward moments. All of these are regular occurrences on the Teen Choice Awards. But Sunday night's telecast also gave us some really inspirational speeches at the Teen Choice Awards, from some fan favorite stars of stage, screen, and music. The night's speeches began with the one and only Ellen DeGeneres after she took home the Choice Comedian award, and the trend continued throughout the night with people like Britney Spears, Empire's Jussie Smollett, and many more. The messages may have been different, but, overall, they had one common message: Don't be afraid to be yourself. And there's nothing better than hearing that important message from your favorite stars, at any age.

The inspirational messages weren't always long and they didn't take up the whole speeches (obviously these celebrities had people to thank for their awards, including the most important people to thank: The fans!), but they didn't need to. All people like Wiz Khalifa, Smollett, DeGeneres, and others needed to do was get the important message across and make it clear that at an impressionable age, the best thing to be is yourself. There's nothing better, there's nothing more brave, and nothing more impressive than knowing who you are and owning it.

1. Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen is always a hugely inspirational person so obviously her Teen Choice Awards speech for Choice Comedian would be the same way. And who knew that Sunday night was also her seven year wedding anniversary with Portia de Rossi? Love those two.

2. Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett plays a strong LGBT character on Empire and brought that same strength and openness to the Teen Choice Awards. Smollett made sure to tell his fans "be who you are, change the world" among other wonderfully inspirational ideas.

3. Britney Spears

Spears took home the Style Icon award, and her speech was short but sweet. She didn't say much, but she did make sure to thank the fans and then tell them that they should "be fearless" in their choices and not be afraid to be themselves. Simple. Smart. Important.

4. Wiz Khalifa

After winning the Choice Music: Song From Movie Or TV Show for the song "See You Again" from Furious 7, Khalifa thanked the cast and crew of the film, and then stated the simple but strong message: "Follow your dream and you can do anything you want to do." Again, it's an obvious statement, but still is nice to hear.

5. Nina Dobrev

After joking that she wouldn't need her vampire teeth anymore since she's no longer on The Vampire Diaries, Choice TV Actress: Sci Fi/Fantasy winner Nina Dobrev profusely thanked her fans and the creative team of TVD for changing her life for the better and giving her an amazing career. She then stated something so important for people of any age to hear, especially teens: "Change is coming so hold and enjoy the ride." We'll miss you on TVD, Nina!

I'm glad that even with their limited time on the Teen Choice Awards stage, each of these celebrities made sure to share their own words of encouragement with all of their teen fans watching at home.