Mariah Carey Cozies Up to Her Best Friend at a Swanky LA Gala

On Monday, Mariah Carey 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, by her side, she stayed close to her best friend, filmmaker Brett Ratner, who was honored with the Humanitarian Award 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 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. Keep reading to see more of Mariah, and then check out 11 photos that prove she belongs with James.