Taraji P. Henson Explains Mary J. Blige’s ‘Gift’ of Being Bold and Uplifting: Women in Music 2017

At this year’s Women in Music event, Taraji P. Henson presented her friend Mary J. Blige with the “Icon” honor.

Before the ceremony, Henson spoke with Billboard‘s Chelsea Briggs and Keith Caulfield about Blige, who she calls her “strength.”

More from Billboard

• Judy Collins, Shelly Peiken & More Honored at 2023 She Rocks Awards

• Jennifer Lopez Congratulates Kim Petras on Women in Music Honor: 'You Are the Moment'

• How to Watch All of the Women in Music 2023 Acceptance Speeches

She sings from her heart,” the actress says about Blige’s transparency in her music. “You know that every word that she’s singing — that drips from her mouth — she’s experienced. The fact that she’s bold enough to share her truth and get so many people through broken hearts, or uplift so many people…that’s a gift.”

The two starred together in 2009’s I Can Do Bad All by Myself  and have been best friends ever since. Henson also told Billboard that she has a go-to Mary J. Blige track to lift herself up when she needs it. “‘Just Fine.’ That’s my go-to,” she says. “But she has so many.”

Watch the full interview in the video above.

Best of Billboard

• Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits

• H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart

• Anne Wilson's 'I Still Believe in Christmas' Crowns Christian Airplay Chart