Billboard announced that Mary J. Blige will receive the Icon Award at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. Blige, 51, will also perform at the ceremony. The BBMAs will take place May 15 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC. The event will also stream live on Peacock.
The Icon Award was introduced in 2011, and recognizes outstanding artists who have achieved excellence on the Billboard Charts and made an indelible mark on music. Previous recipients include Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Cher, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Garth Brooks and Pink.
Blige said in a press release: “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. 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.”
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