Billy Porter Says He Was Sick Before His Now-Viral Mariah Carey Tribute, But His Vocals Were Still “Silky & Fierce”

As a movie, television, music, and Broadway star, Billy Porter is no stranger to receiving unanimous acclaim for his soaring vocal performances over the years.

Over the weekend, however, some viewers were singing a different tune about him after witnessing the EMMY, GRAMMY, and TONY-Award winner’s adventurous take on one of Mariah Carey‘s most beloved classics.

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As reported here, Billy was part of an all-star salute to Carey who was honored as the ‘Person of the Year‘ at the MusiCares GRAMMY week event on Thursday (January 30).

Filling out a show-stopping tribute that included performances from Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Teddy Swims, Charlie Puth, John Legend, Kesha, and more, Porter took to the stage to crank out his rendition of ‘Always Be My Baby.’

However, much like Kesha – whose take on Carey’s 2009 hit ‘Obsessed‘ garnered majorly mixed reactions – Billy’s certainly had the Songbird Supreme’s dedicated fans (called #Lambs) bleating in disappointment in droves on social media.

Unfazed by the criticism, the 56-year-old was spotted at another GRAMMY event the next night and raved about his performance.

“I am recovering from sepsis…[the Mariah tribute] was my first night back,” he told ‘Entertainment Tonight.’ “I was on a forced vocal rest for five months so the cords are silky and fierce honey. I was like ‘ok, daddy’s back.'”

Elsewhere in the conversation, Billy relayed how special it was to be among the stars saluting the music diva.

“It was very humbling; it was such a surprise to get the call. We’re the same age, so it’s wonderful to have been a witness to seeing her evolution and grow up – and to see her still be around,” he shared. “It’s such a big moment…what I loved was that I was able to have a personal connection with her and create my own version of ‘Always Be My Baby.'”

That’s not all he said. Click PLAY on the clip above to hear his full reaction to the now-viral performance.

[photo sources: Getty Images]