On Monday, Mariah Carey [1] stepped out solo for the Venice Family Clinic Silver Circle Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. While she didn't have her fiancé, James Packer [2], by her side, she stayed close to her best friend, filmmaker Brett Ratner, who was honored with the Humanitarian Award [3] for his philanthropic efforts in the entertainment industry, and even took the stage for a performance later in the night.

Back in November, Brett told The Hollywood Reporter [4] that he played matchmaker for Mariah and James, adding, "Mariah is one of my best friends. We are Aries brother and sister because our birthdays are a day apart. It's hard for me to have best friends and not want to introduce them." Shortly after, James popped the question with a blindingly gorgeous 35-carat engagement ring [5]. Keep reading to see more of Mariah, and then check out 11 photos that prove she belongs with James [6].