A black-and-white photo of the late Whitney Houston was dramatically dropped down from the ceiling at the 2012 BET Awards and the crowd went silent as Mariah Carey, dressed all in gold, came smiling on to the stage, her eyes wet with tears.
Three hours into the telecast, it was finally time for a tribute to musical great Whitney Houston.
Mariah, who worked closely with Whitney on the Academy Award winning Prince of Egypt soundtrack, recalled the first time she met the soul singer backstage at the Grammys.
Moving: Mariah Carey led the tribute to late singer Whitney Houston at tonight's 2012 BET Awards
Teary-eyed: Mariah's eyes filled with tears as she remembered her friendship with Whitney
'Just an unknown, budding singer myself, I was captivated by the power in her range, the richness of her tone and her unique ability to wrap a lyric in emotion,' a clearly emotional Carey said.
Striking: Mariah was equipped with sunglasses - even though she was inside
Tender moment: Mariah speaks to Whitney's mother Cissy Houston
'We really got to know each other as people. Not divas - okay, maybe occasionally it did get a little diva-ish - but that was just for laughs,' she said.
Heartfelt: Whitney's mother, Cissy, sang Bridge Over Troubled Water
Talented family: Gary Houston, Whitney's brother, also performed at the awards ceremony
'I miss my friend. I miss hearing her voice and laughter. But we'll always have the music,' she said, struggling to fight back tears.
Whitney died on February 11 at the age of 48. She drowned in her hotel bathtub after suffering a heart attack, determined to have been brought on by cocaine and other drugs.
Songbird: Mariah left the singing duties to Monica and just did a speech
'I Will Always Love You': Mariah led a tribute to Whitney, pictured at the 2008 Grammys, who died in February
Nineties divas: Mariah and Whitney were chart rivals over a decade ago
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