Celebrities and industry leaders descended on the nation’s capital this past weekend for the 5th annual BET Honors.

The star-studded event, which celebrates African American achievement, honored Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Maya Angelou, Spike Lee, Beverly Kearney and the Tuskegee Airmen.

Every aspect of the weekend was brilliantly executed to ensure that nothing but the best was dished out to honorees and guests. More important than the thread of black opulence woven into the fabric of the festivities was the inspiration that attendees vowed to take home with them.

Carey, resplendent in a form-fitting nude and black gown and mile-high hair, tearily accepted the entertainer award from her on-the-mend husband, Nick Cannon, and their infant son, Moroccan Scott. The tyke's twin sister, Monroe, remained backstage for a good reason, Carey revealed.

"We were both sewn into our dresses, so she couldn't make it out," said Mariah.

Cannon spoke intimately of his wife, revealing that she puts aside the diva mantle to make him soup at 3 o'clock in the morning "when my kidneys ain't acting right."

"What most people don't get to experience is the human," he said onstage. "To know you guys are honoring her tonight, I have to continue to honor her every day."

Of Cannon's discharge from the hospital just 48 hours prior, Carey said, "Thank you, Jesus," and gave her husband a lusty look, telling the audience that he was "too buff for the tux; it's incredible."

Patti LaBelle wowed the crowd with a rendition of Carey's hit Hero, while rapper Raekwon and singer Kelly Rowland performed a rollicking version of Fantasy.