Mariah Carey gives emotional Icon acceptance speech at 2019 Billboard Music Awards

The superstar dabbed some sweat from her face after her performance as she accepted the golden trophy from Jennifer Hudson, before wishing her twins a happy birthday.

The legend started the speech off with some humour, "Thank you so much for this gorgeous award, it's going to look fabulous in my New York apartment, bye," she joked. 

Mariah Carey said she did not see herself as an icon but thanked Billboard for letting her "grow up on the charts" and for the incredible honour. 

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The singer went on to share that she started her career out of necessity, and that she just wanted to create something so she could feel worthy of existing.

She also thanked all the people who stood by her through the highs and lows. She then dedicated the award to anybody "who doesn't allow themselves to be broken and keeps getting up and keeps holding on and keeps standing tall, keeps on believing and keeps rising. I celebrate you tonight. And to anyone who's ever told me that a song I wrote helped save your life, I thank you, because you saved mine." 

Watch the magical moment below: