Mariah Carey accepts Icon award from artists group

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. Mariah Carey was late to the BMI Urban Music Awards, where she was the guest of honor, but that didnt stop other artists from literally singing her praises.

Fantasia Barrino and Eric Benet were among those who serenaded the star with her own hits. Benet performed One Sweet Day and the former American Idol sang Hero during the private ceremony at the Saban Theatre, where writers, producers and publishers of the years top urban hits were recognized Friday.

Barrino stepped off stage and stood right in front of Carey in the audiences front row as she wailed the final words of the song. When she finished, they embraced.

BMI chief Del Bryant presented Carey with the music-rights organizations Icon Award for her outstanding songwriting that has resulted in 18 No. 1 singles and more than 200 million albums sold.

Bryant called her an unparalleled musical superstar and the greatest singer in history.

He also endorsed her new position as a judge on American Idol.

Who knows more about musical artistry and song selection than Mariah Carey? Bryant asked.

Sorry, Randy, didnt see you there, he added, jabbing at Carey collaborator and longtime Idol judge Randy Jackson.

Carey, 42, didnt mention Idol as she accepted her award.

She simply thanked the performers for doing something so beautiful with the songs I wrote and BMI for honoring her songwriting contributions.

Im so humbled by this moment because a lot of people still dont know I write my own songs, she said.

Other entertainers honored Friday included Nicki Minaj, who had the years most played song with Super Bass, and Drake and Lil Wayne, who were named songwriters of the year for their string of hits. None of the rappers were on hand to accept the honors.