Tomorrow the legendary Mariah Carey celebrates a career milestone.  It's the twenty-year mark since her self-titled debut release. 

On June 12th, 1990 "Mariah Carey" was released in the United States with modest sales (yes, even a talent like Mariah had to grind!).  But, after heavy promotion and what same say to be her big-break, performing live on "The Arsenio Hall Show," Mariah's first album would spawn four number one singles. Plus, two Grammys for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best New Artist.  To date, Mariah's first album has sold over 15 million copies. 

Ground breaking and consistent success has continued for twenty years.  Her best-selling album of her career is 1993's "Music Box" with 28 million and 1995's "Daydream" isn't far behind with 25 million, both are listed as one of the best-selling albums of all time.  Mariah has the most number one songs for a solo artist, she has the most weeks at number for a group or solo artist, she was named the most successful artist of the 1990s in the United States, Nielsen SoundScan has her as the best-selling female artist since 1991 and she has a legion of fans that has solidified her as a powerful force in the music industry. 

Mariah Carey exclusively told BET.com, "I was two when I started," jokingly using a line from one of her icons, Diana Ross.  Carey continued, "I have the best, most devoted, creative, supportive and loving fans in the world. They have helped me get through every storm as well as realize so many dreams. I thank them from the bottom of my heart and I will never stop loving them, appreciating them and enjoying them." 

Throughout all of the awards, hit songs and record-breaking sales, it's sometimes easy to forget the enormous talent that is Mariah Carey.  She has a legacy that is etched in history.  Armed with a five-octave vocal range, Mariah has captivated the globe with her gift of voice, words and music.  BET salutes Mariah Carey at this milestone moment in her career and looks forward to many more decades of success. 

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Clay Cane is the Entertainment Editor at BET.com.  You can read more of his work at www.claycane.net.