BET Awards Closed with Whitney Houston Tribute By Mariah Carey, Monica, Brandy, Mom Cissy [VIDEO]

Mariah Carey opened the tribute after hours of performances and awards at the 2012 BET Awards.

"The first time I heard Whitney's voice, I was mesmerized like the rest of the world. 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," she shared with tearful eyes.

The singer dressed in gold talked about her memories of Houston. They also worked together on the 'Prince of Egypt' soundtrack and won an Academy Awards.

"I miss my friend. I miss hearing her voice and laughter, but we'll always have the music," Carey said. "We'll always have that voice we all fell in love with. She inspired us all."

Monica and Brandy then performed the diva's hit songs, "I'm Your Baby Tonight" and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."

Houston's brother Gary also sang "Where You Are" before introducing their mother Cissy. "This is for you, Nip," said the mom of the diva referring to her daughter's nickname and performed 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters.'

Chaka Khan closed the special event with an energetic stage of "I'm Every Woman."