In 1998, Mariah was honored with the Aretha Franklin Award during the Soul Train Lady Of Soul Awards, for Entertainer of the year. The Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards honors black females for their achievements and contributions to Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Gospel music. The 1998 ceremony was held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, California.
“Thank you Don Cornelius and Soul Train for this accolade,” Mariah said during her acceptance speech. “The Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year means so much to me for so many reasons. Anything with Aretha Franklin's name attached to it is an honor, a supreme honor, and I'm grateful for that.”
