Beyonce, BET Awards 2012: Singer Earns Best Female R&B Artist, Thanks Lauryn Hill

Beyonce shined bright in a silky yellow gown while accepting her award for Best Female R&B Artist at the 2012 BET Awards Sunday night (July 1). The former Destiny's Child frontwoman bested fellow singers Marsha Ambrosius, Mary J. Blige, Melanie Fiona and Rihanna in the category.

"I fell in love with music by listening to R&B," Beyonce said with her trophy in hand. "It's the core of who I am."

The 4 creator also gave due respect to two prolific women who inspired her career. "I want to thank the talented R&B women who came before me: Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige," she stated. "I want to thank BET for giving R&B a home."

Before leaving the stage, Blue Ivy's mother and Jay-Z's wife bestowed her award to a fallen legend. "l I dedicate this [award] to Whitney Houston, my angel," Beyonce revealed.

The songstress' fourth album, 4, was released in June 2011. The lauded project featured such tracks as "love on Top," "Countdown" and "Run the World (Girls)." The LP debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 310,000 copies in its first week.