Mary J. Blige was celebrated like a true queen at VIBE’s 20th Anniversary Celebration and Inaugural Impact Awards at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood last night. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul was surrounded by her closest friends including Diddy, Queen Latifah, Anita Baker, and MC Lyte at the intimate dinner party in her honor.

“It feels great to get the Impact of the Year award. It feels amazing,” a fur-clad Mary told Rap-Up TV.

Her mentor Diddy saluted the 42-year-old R&B icon, whose debut album What’s the 411? he executive produced. “Mary is my little sister. She’s one of the reasons why I’m here,” said Puff.

Hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte also acknowledged Mary’s instrumental role in blending hip-hop and R&B. “The first music of its kind to mix hip-hop and R&B… It meant everything. It was extremely impactful.”

Big Sean, Bridget Kelly, Babyface, Andre Harrell, and Wayne Brady also came out to toast MJB, while Nick Cannon DJ’d the after-party.

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Mary J. Blige was back in the spotlight, but this time as an actress. The 42-year-old singer celebrated with her castmates at the premiere of the Lifetime Original Movie “Betty & Coretta” on Monday night. Looking classy in white, she posed with her co-stars Angela Bassett and Ruby Dee on the red carpet.

In addition to her role as executive producer, Mary plays Dr. Betty Shabazz, civil rights advocate and the wife of Malcolm X, while Bassett portrays Coretta Scott King in the film.

Earlier in the day, MJB stopped by “106 & Park” to promote the movie and speak about her low-key birthday celebration, her three favorite records, and starring role.

“It was challenging. Being No. 1 is a lot of work,” said Mary, who is in the studio working on new music with Jermaine Dupri. “I had to try to [portray] this woman, who was already living and already very important. I couldn’t fail her. I had to give her everything. But it was hard.”

See how Mary did when “Betty & Coretta” premieres February 2 at 8 p.m. on Lifetime.

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Miley Cyrus is calling on a couple odd collaborators for what she calls her “biggest album” yet. The former Disney star has enlisted Tyler, the Creator for a new song she penned with Mary J. Blige.

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Mary J. Blige starred in last year’s musical Rock of Ages, and now she’s stepping into an entirely new role. The Grammy-winning singer plays Dr. Betty Shabazz, civil rights advocate and the wife of Malcolm X, in the Lifetime Original Movie “Betty & Coretta,” which she also executive produced.

The film centers on the real-life stories of Coretta Scott King (Angela Bassett) and Shabazz as they form an unbreakable life-long bond after their husbands’ tragic assassinations.

Mary drew inspiration from Shabazz’ strength. “If Betty had not moved forward, Malcolm X would have died and that would have been it,” she told Los Angeles Confidential. “I didn’t even realize that she and Coretta had been friends. Women never get a chance to have their stories told when there are important men involved. That’s what drew me to the part.”

“Betty & Coretta” premieres Saturday, February 2, at 8 p.m. on Lifetime.

It was ladies’ night as Glamour magazine honored the 2012 Women of the Year at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Monday. Mary J. Blige was on hand to present an award to the U.S. gold medal Olympians including Gabby Douglas.

“Had the pleasure of honoring our women Olympic gold medalists at Glamour’s Women of the Year awards tonight,” tweeted Mary.

Solange was radiant in a yellow-and-blue Derek Lam dress and Pharrell sported a mustache and bow tie as he made the red carpet rounds.

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Mary J. Blige lent her voice to a good cause. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul performed her empowering song “The Living Proof” during NBC’s “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together” telethon last night.

Before beginning, Mary shared a hopeful message in the aftermath of the storm. “My prayers go out to everyone who was affected by the hurricane,” she said. “Things are gonna get better, so please just hang in there, be strong, and have faith. And please everybody watching tonight, give something, anything. Every penny counts.”

Her powerful lyrics couldn’t have been more poignant in this time of need. “So stay strong, hold on ’cause you made it through … You’re the living proof,” sang Mary as images of Sandy’s destruction flashed on screen behind her.

Her star power, along with Christina Aguilera, Jon Bon Jovi, and Bruce Springsteen, helped raise millions for relief efforts. You too can help by donating to the Red Cross.

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After wrapping her “Liberation” tour with D’Angelo this month, Mary J. Blige keeps the music coming with a new record. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul puts a new spin on Arrested Development’s 1992 hit “People Everyday,” produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox.

MJB is in Montreal this week shooting Betty & Coretta. She plays Malcolm X’s wife Betty Shabazz alongside Angela Bassett (Coretta Scott King) in the Lifetime biopic.

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Mary J. Blige welcomed a royal guest during her performance on Day 2 of the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. Four songs into her set, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul stopped short of playing Chaka Khan’s “Sweet Thing” to introduce Prince.

“I got a real good friend in the building,” said Mary to roaring applause. “He’s one of the most amazing artists to ever walk the earth.”

The pop icon didn’t say a word, sporting gold glasses, yellow bellbottoms, and an afro as he took the stage. He picked up his guitar and helped Mary and her band finish their Chaka Khan cover.

They also dueted on his song, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” as an astonished Mary looked on.

“I know you have to be very particular about who you be messing with,” she said before bowing to her legendary friend.

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