Mariah Carey: Whitney Houston Tribute at BET Awards

Mariah Carey gets emotional on stage at the 2012 BET Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday (July 1) in Los Angeles.

The 42-year-old entertainer hit the stage to deliver a tribute speech for the late Whitney Houston.

“The first time I heard Whitney‘s voice, I was mesmerized like the rest of the world,” Mariah said during her speech. “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.”

“We’ll always have that voice we all fell in love with. She inspired us all,” Mariah continued.

Click inside to watch the complete 19 minute tribute to Whitney!

Also pictured: Whitney‘s mother Cissy Houston and Randy Jackson.

10+ pictures inside of Mariah Carey at the 2012 BET Awards…