Mariah Carey Takes Home Billboard Icon Award
Mariah Carey took home the Billboard Icon Award during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards on Wednesday (May 1).
Jennifer Hudson introduced Mimi before she graced the stage in a long black dress.
Carey took the stage and sang a medley of her hits like “A No No,” “Emotions,” “We Belong Together,” and “Hero.”
While Carey sang “We Belong Together” hip-hop couple Quavo and Saweetie were cuddled up in the audience together singing along and the entire building joined Carey as she sang “Hero.”
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 01: Mariah Carey performs onstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
When Carey ran on stage to grab her award she and Hudson shared a heartfelt embrace.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 01: (L-R) Jennifer Hudson presents the Icon Award to honoree Mariah Carey onstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 01, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp)
“I started making music out of a necessity to survive and express myself,” Carey said during her acceptance speech.
“I guess I’ve always felt like an outsider, anyone who does not belong anywhere,” Carey continued. “I’ve dedicated my life to my music, my saving grace,” the pop icon said before concluding her speech.
Glennisha Morgan is a Detroit-bred multimedia journalist and writer. She writes about intersectionality, hip-hop, pop culture, queer issues, race, feminism, and her truth. Follow her on Twitter.
