The argument here is LEGEND versus ICON.

In my opinion Mariah is an ICON. Her and Whitney changed the game completely for R&B singers and the heights one can reach. Whitney is probably an ICON a couple times over.

Brandy is a LEGEND.

Mary J. Blige is.. a singer.

Toni Braxton is a LEGEND.

One who never gets credit is Vanessa Williams...a legend. She was a triple threat! Broadway, Movie Star, Television, Platinum Recording Artist. She had the potential to be an ICON but she chose family instead and slowed her career down. Wise choice. Most of the ICON's we love led pretty sad lives.