Mariah Carey Honored at BMI Urban Awards

Mariah Carey hit another high note in her illustrious career when she was honored as a BMI Icon at the BMI Urban Awards at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on Friday night. The multi-octave diva, sporting curly hair and a cutout black dress, arrived fashionably late with her husband Nick Cannon and manager Randy Jackson in tow, smiling for photos and doing a few interviews.

Following congratulatory messages from Diddy, Pharrell, L.A. Reid, and Sidney Poitier, Jermaine Dupri kicked off the tribute by mixing some of the hits he produced for Mariah. Joe belted out “We Belong Together,” gospel star Karen Clark-Sheard soared with “Anytime You Need a Friend,” Eric Benét dueted on “One Sweet Day,” and Fantasia tore the house down with a soulful version of “Hero.”

With Nick by her side, a gracious Mariah accepted the honor. “I’m just humbled and thankful and grateful,” said Mimi. “Thank you for blessing me with this moment.”

Nas opened the show with a four-song medley including “Daughters” and “Bye Baby,” and Future had the crowd singing along to his ubiquitous hit “Same Damn Time.”

Drake and Lil Wayne shared Songwriter of the Year honors, while Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” took home Song of the Year. Pop Wansel (Nicki Minaj, Elle Varner) was presented with Producer of the Year.

See photos from the red carpet and watch Mariah’s acceptance speech below.