Mary J. Blige turns 50: a look back (31 images)

Singer and actress Mary J. Blige arrives to perform in the "VH1 Divas Live" salute to Aretha Franklin at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 10, 2001. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

Blige (L) and Bono perform at the jam session held by presenters and inductees after the ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in New York City on March 19, 2001. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

Blige won Best R&B Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City on August 29, 2002. Later that year, Blige was nominated for Best Female Artist at the American Music Awards. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

Blige (R) and The Chicks appear at the "Blue for Save the Music" press conference that unveiled a program with VH1 to restore music education programs in America's public schools in New York City on February 4, 2003. Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI