Charles Sykes/Invision/APMariah Carey's music and her unparalleled singing voice have been honored a zillion times over.
Tonight, the honor was all about her heart.
Carey, who stunned in a glittering, curve-hugging gown with a plunging neckline, received the Ally Award at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards this evening in New York City, the organization spotlighting the platinum-selling artist for her longtime efforts to support and advance LGBT equality.
Fiancé James Packer was by her side on the red carpet and Lee Daniels, who directed Carey's critically lauded turn as a social worker in his film Precious, presented her with the award.
"How much fun was that?" the Empire creator recalled working on Precious with Carey. "It was life-changing. We had the best time. There were no rules, and...You were very nervous and I said 'no makeup' and you said, 'Please, Lee.' I said, 'No, if there's a strip of makeup on you, I'll kill you. And not only that, throw a mustache on her ass.' And I was surprised you spoke to me after that.
"But I think you did your best work because you were free."
Daniels also attributed Carey's belief in him for much of his success that came after, from The Butler to Empire.
"Mariah is one of us," he continued. "I know many celebrities that pretend to be one of us. This bitch is one of us—to the marrow, bone."
Carey had a huge hug for Daniels when she joined him onstage.
"I love you, Lee Daniels!" she began. "No, I can't believe you just told that story, because I thought we had an understanding, dahling. But that was amazing." The singer asked for one more round of applause for the TV and filmmaker.
"And thank you, GLAAD, for this honor!" Carey continued. "This is amazing. OK, I got to tell you...I was a little nervous about tonight because I thought I needed to learn like a whole new alphabet to introduce and not un-include people 'cause I was like, 'Man, I don't want to do it wrong and what do I do?'
"And then I decided that if I have to memorize it, I might as well elaborate on it. So we've got 'L,' legendary. 'G,' gorgeous. 'B,' beautiful, all of you beautiful, beautiful people. 'T,' tantalizing. And even 'Q,' for quality."
The artist concluded, "I just want to say to everybody in the room, I know everybody wants to keep it moving, thank you for the unconditional love, 'cause it's very difficult to me to have that, I haven't experienced much of it. So I thank you--I thank you and I wish all of you love, peace, harmony, and as my 5-year-old son Rocky likes to say, 'Boobies and butts.'"
We have a feeling the room didn't mind stopping for a bit to pay attention to Mariah.
"Through her music and outspoken support, Mariah Carey has inspired and empowered countless LGBT fans across the globe," GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said when the plan to honor Carey was announced. "She is a longtime ally and friend to the LGBT community who has worked tirelessly to move acceptance and inclusion forward."
Also being honored tonight was Robert De Niro, recipient of the Excellence in Media Award for Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro Sr., a documentary the actor produced about his painter father, who came out as gay late in his own life.
Laverne Cox hosted the ceremony Saturday at the Waldorf Astoria New York.
The West Coast installment of the celebration took place last month in Los Angeles, where honorees included Demi Lovato and Ruby Rose.