An icon for an icon.
Singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige will receive the honorary Icon Award at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 15. In addition to her crowning achievement, Mary—who is also a ten-time BBMA winner—will take the stage for a "breathtaking performance will make for one of the most memorable moments of the evening," per Billboard. As for how she feels about the honor, Mary is already giving fans the 411.
"My career has been such an incredible and unexpected journey that has included many turns into avenues I never could have imagined like acting, producing, launching businesses and now even my own music festival," Mary said in a statement. "Through it all, I always one way or another gravitated back to my first love, music. To be recognized in this way at this moment, with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards, is an incredible honor and one that I am truly humbled by."
The "Just Fine" singer joins an exclusive list of only 10 musicians to receive the award since its inception in 2011. And she's in great company: Past recipients of the trophy include Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Cher, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Garth Brooks, and Pink.
News of Mary's award may not come as a surprise to fans who have followed her impressive nearly 30-year career. The 51-year-old has amassed a huge fanbase by releasing 14 albums, all of which have reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 chart. Her upcoming performance also comes just a few months after she rocked at the stage at the 2022 Super Bowl in February.
Fans can tune in to watch Mary hit the stage in all her glory when the BBMAs airs on May 15 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC and live on Peacock.