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(AllHipHop News) This year’s BET Honors did more than honor Mariah Carey.

It also marked the first public appearance of the singer’s husband, Nick Cannon, who was recently released from the hospital after suffering acute kidney failure during a winter break.

Cannon was on hand for the show’s taping on this past Saturday (January 14) to present Carey with the Entertainer of the Year Award.

Carey was among a string of celebrities recognized at the BET Honors, including Stevie Wonder, poet/author Dr. Maya Angelou, and film director Spike Lee.

Actress Gabrielle Union hosted the show, which took place in Washington D.C. and featured performances from rapper/actor Common, Patti LaBelle, Willow Smith, and Aretha Franklin.

Prior to presenting Carey with her award, People.com reports that Cannon praised his wife for her support and presence during his stay at a Los Angeles hospital after first being admitted to a medical facility in Aspen earlier this month.

The “America’s Got Talent” host is currently recovering at home after being discharged from the hospital last week following surgery.

“When times are hard, you guys don’t see her at 3 o’clock in the morning, getting up in the middle of the night, fixing me soup when my kidneys ain’t acting right. Mariah Carey does that, Cannon said onstage. “It is truly, truly a blessing to be here tonight, and I am humbled and in awe of everyone’s presence, but mostly my hero right there. What most people don’t get the opportunity to experience is the true woman; the virtuous person who is my angel.”

The 2012 BET Honors will air at 9 p.m. on Feb. 13 on BET.