Mariah Carey hit all the right notes in a very revealing black gown at the BET Honors at Warner Theatre in downtown Washington DC on Saturday evening.

The superstar singer slid her sexy body on to a piano to sing at the event, which fetes African Americans performing at top levels in music, literature, entertainment, education and more.

But although the audience no doubt enjoyed her performance, it’s likely that many viewers will have been wondering whether or not the 43-year-old’s ample assets would remain inside the bodice of her specially designed Rubin Singer dress.

Taking the plunge: Mariah Carey wore a very revealing Rubin Singer gown at the BET Honors awards at Warner Theatre in downtown Washington DC on Saturday evening

Perfectly pitched: The superstar posed on a piano as she sang – but many fans in the audience must have been wondering whether the 43-year-old’s ample assets would remain covered up

The gown clung to her curves like a glove and displayed an eyeful of cleavage and side boob.

In fact, Mariah’s outfit looked more than a little like the red dress worn by voluptuous cartoon character Jessica Rabbit in 1988 movie hit Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

The Fantasy singer’s blonde tresses were gently curled and framed her beautifully made-up face.

Careful! Mariah offered an eyeful of cleavage as she leaned over precariously

Hanging in there: A side shot of the tight gown displayed more than an eyeful of cleavage

Taking it knee-sy: Any sudden move could have resulted in a wardrobe malfunction

Spot the likeness: Mariah’s sensual dress gave the superstar a more than passing resemblance to voluptuous cartoon character Jessica Rabbit from 1988 movie hit Who Killed Roger Rabbit

Not long to wait: Fans will get to see the performance when the special airs on BET on February 24

She accessorised with long black gloves, a blingy necklace and matching earrings.

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, Motown founder Berry Gordy, rapper-actor Ice Cube, American Express chairman-CEO Ken Chenault and photographer and video artist Carrie Mae Weems all received tributes at the show, which was hosted by actor and comedian Wayne Brady.

Others who performed at the show included Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Tamar Braxton and Smokey Robinson.

Stars and stripes: Singer Janelle Monae put on an animated performance as she followed Mariah on stage

Special mention: As well as Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson also received honors at the star-studded event

Looking good! Tamar Braxton also performed at the event, in a stunning purple gown

All hail the Queen! Aretha Franklin gives a royal wave as she honored at the BET Awards on Saturday night

Belting out the tunes: Gospel singer Karen Clark Sheard, 53, looked incredible in a tight-fitting satin gown

Artists Ludacris and Mack Wilds, Scandal actor Joe Morton and activist/talk host Rev. Al Sharpton were tapped as presenters.

Proceeds from BET Honors’ limited ticket sales will benefit the Women Veterans Interactive, an organisation that provides housing options and support for veterans and their families.

The special will air on BET on February 24.

Also at the event: Tamar Braxton and Jennifer Hudson both looked fantastic on the red carpet

Red carpet ready: Actor and rapper Ice Cube looked smart alongside his wife Kimberly Woodruff who wore a charming black dress

Queen of soul: Aretha arrives at the BET bash in style