55: Mary J. Blige – Powerful Women of 2013

Taken under Diddy's wings, Mary J. Blige's debut album, 'What's the 411?,' was released in 1992, and set a new precedent for the female R&B singer's image with a more rough-around-the-edges look.

Despite the change to the R&B aesthetic, Blige impacted the genre so much with her 10 albums -- selling over 50 million LPs worldwide. 'Love & Life,' her sixth album, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 as well as was certified platinum and earned a Grammy nod for Best Contemporary R&B album.

Aside from being a music superstar, Blige has flexed her acting muscles in numerous projects including guest roles on 'Entourage,' 'The Ghost Whisperer and 'The Jamie Foxx Show.' She also starred in the film version of 'Rock of Ages,' which premiered in 2012. She recently played Malcolm X's wife, Betty Shabazz, in the Lifetime movie, 'Betty & Coretta' this year.

Although she has run into a bit of financial trouble recently, that hasn't stopped Blige from continuously performing throughout the U.S. and abroad.