Mary J. Blige found her real love at the 2022 Billboard Awards. On Sunday, the “No More Drama” singer received the Billboard Icon Award presented by one of her “biggest inspirations growing up”, Janet Jackson.
While receiving the award, the Ghost actress was met with a roaring crowd. Blige expressed how hard it is to become a legend and mentions what it means to be an icon in her speech. “What an icon means to me is overcoming obstacles to accomplish the unthinkable and be widely admired for having influence over a multitude of people, and that is what I’ve always represented.”
The nine-time Grammy Award winner has had a multi-decade career which she continues to make a cultural impact. “The message in my music has always been that we are not alone in our struggles. And I’m not alone now. For so long, I was searching for a real love, but I finally found my real love. And that real love is me.”
This makes her 11th Billboard Music Award win! She continues her speech expressing gratitude for the award. “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.” Since the establishment of the Icon Award in 2011, other recipients include Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and Prince.
Mary J. Blige has soared in not only music, but also in acting, producing, and entrepreneurship. She is well-deserving of the Icon Award. After many years of being recognized for her work, Mary J. Blige continues to be an encouraging and inspirational icon!
