Mary J. Blige.Photo: Will Sterling
What’s the 411?Mary J. Bligeis about to add another award to her shelf!
On Thursday, the superstar was revealed as the next recipient of the Billboard icon award, which she’ll receive on Sunday, May 15 during the2022 Billboard Music Awardsat the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The honor marks Blige’s eleventh Billboard Music Award, following a 1995 album of the year win forMy Lifeand nine trophies — including female R&B/hip-hop artist of the year and Hot 100 airplay song of the year for “Be Without You” — earned during herThe Breakthroughalbum era in 2006. In a statement released Thursday, Blige, 51, expressed gratitude toward receiving the esteemed award.
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Mary J. Blige.Will Sterling
The Billboard icon award was established in 2011, and Blige follows previous A-list recipientsNeil Diamond,Stevie Wonder,Prince,Jennifer Lopez,Celine Dion,Cher,Janet Jackson,Mariah Carey,Garth Brooks, andPink.
Blige’s 2022 has already been jam-packed, as she released her fourteenth studio album,Good Morning Gorgeous, on February 11 — two days before she delivered a show-stopping performance of 2001 hits “Family Affair” and “No More Drama” atthe Super Bowl LVI Halftime ShowalongsideDr. Dre,Snoop Dogg,Eminem,Kendrick Lamar, and special guests50 CentandAnderson .Paak.
Furthermore, Blige said there was a friendly and professional dynamic between the performers ahead of halftime. “We are incredible, we’re like the Super Friends… It’s crazy,” she told PEOPLE, noting there was no goofing around during rehearsals. “Everybody’s just focused. No one’s pranking, everybody’s just focused and tweaking this, and being in unity on whatever we need to fix or work out.”
source: people.com
