She’s scored more No. 1 singles than any other solo artist in history… And, now Mariah Carey will be recognized for her musical feats.
The 42-year-old part-Venezuelan American songstress, rumored to be a lead contender to replace Jennifer Lopez as a judge on American Idol, will be honored this fall as a BMI Icon at the BMI Urban Awards.
Carey will join a group that includes the Jacksons, Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Little Richard, Al Green, the Bee Gees, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton — selected because of their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.”
During her illustrious career, Carey has co-written most of her biggest hits, a lengthy list that includes 30 BMI Urban and Pop Award-winning songs like “Fantasy,” “Vision of Love,” “Emotions,” “Shake It Off,” “We Belong Together” and “All I Want for Christmas is You,” which she re-released with Justin Bieber last year.
A whopping 17 of her songs have amassed more than 1 million performances each, including “Always Be My Baby,” “Dreamlover” and “Hero,” which have each earned more than 3 million performances.
Carey has scored more No. 1 singles than any other solo artist in history; and she’s second only to the Beatles on the all-time list. She also holds the record for the female songwriter with the most Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles in the rock era, totaling 18.
Carey is currently in the studio, writing and recording her next album for Island Def Jam.
The BMI Urban Awards are scheduled for Friday, September 7 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.