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LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) – The 2024 BET Awards, dubbed “culture’s biggest night,” did not disappoint. Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, the show opened with her unique spin on Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” from his Juneteenth Pop Out concert, setting the stage for an evening of diverse performances.

The event, broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 30), showcased a dynamic blend of established legends and emerging stars. From Will Smith’s powerful gospel debut to Sexyy Red’s presidential-themed set and Megan Thee Stallion’s fiery rebirth, the performances were as varied as they were captivating.

The stage was graced by a roster of artists, including Shaboozey, Latto, Ice Spice, Victoria Monét, Tinashe, Ms. Lauryn Hill with her son YG Marley, and GloRilla. Although Normani was slated to perform, she had to bow out due to an injury sustained during rehearsals, leaving fans eager for her next move with her new album DOPAMINE.

Usher, the man of the hour, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and he added to his accolades with a win in the best male R&B/pop artist category. His tribute, filled with heartfelt performances from artists like Childish Gambino and Keke Palmer, highlighted his lasting impact on music and dance.

Killer Mike stole the show with a stirring acceptance speech when his album Michael won Album of the Year—the night also celebrated Tyla’s breakout success, who clinched Best New Artist and Best International Act.

Performance Highlights

Megan Thee Stallion: Opening the show with tracks from her new album Megan, including the No. 1 hit “Hiss” and the anthemic “Where Them Girls At?” Stallion’s stage presence and breath control have come a long way, and her performance, filled with high-energy twerking and audience shout-outs, set a vibrant tone for the night.

Sexyy Red: Transforming the stage into a presidential setting, Sexyy Red’s “U My Everything” performance, complete with dancers as security guards, was a standout. Her electrifying act sharply contrasted last week’s Presidential debate, keeping the audience on their toes.

GloRilla: Suspended in the air before parachuting down, GloRilla wowed with a set that included “Yeah Glo!” and “TGIF.” She later joined Stallion for their collaborative “Wanna Be,” showcasing their chemistry and mutual admiration.

Ice Spice: Embracing her Bronx roots, Ice Spice’s eccentric performance at a gas station set, featuring hits like “Phat Butt” and “Think U the Shit (Fart),” was as quirky as it was unforgettable.

Victoria Monét: Winning the video of the year for “On My Mama,” Monét’s performance was a nod to 2000s nostalgia. Her “Alright” collaboration with Kaytranada was a visual and musical feast with a surprise outfit change and water choreography.

Will Smith: Marking his return to the award show circuit, Smith’s debut of “You Can Make It” was a testament to his resilience and artistry. Supported by the Sunday Service Choir and gospel icons, his performance was a beacon of hope and perseverance.

Tanner Adell’s Country Twist: Although a sponsorship feel marred her set, Adell and Shaboozey kept the crowd buzzing with their contrasting styles. Tanner’s performance outside the venue was reminiscent of a Southern belle at a hoedown with more charisma and fewer tractors.

Shaboozey: Jelly Roll’s newest touring partner, Shaboozey’s honky-tonk-themed set inside the theater took the crowd on a wild ride. When J-Kwon joined him for a mashup of “Tipsy,” the entire venue erupted. It was like a country bar crawl crashed a hip-hop party, and everyone just decided to roll with it.

The Next Generation: Heiress Harris and VanVan brought much-needed childhood charm in a show packed with adult content. Turning the BET Awards stage into a classroom, the pint-sized duo performed “Be You,” spreading a message of individuality. Their performance had everyone in the theater, from the youngest fans to the most seasoned stars, cheering them on. It was as if they said, “Hey adults, remember when life was this simple?” and for a moment, everyone did.

The Usher Tribute

Usher was the man of the hour, receiving a lifetime achievement award that felt more like a parade of modern R&B royalty. A constellation of stars, including Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Chlöe, and more, paid homage to Usher’s legendary career. Gambino opened the tribute with a soulful rendition of “U Don’t Have to Call,” setting a high bar for the night. Then came Palmer, nodding to Usher’s shirtless performance tradition with her stylish strip-down. Looking on with a proud smile, Usher must have thought, “I taught them well.”

Coco Jones, Summer Walker, and Marsha Ambrosius followed suit, each delivering a stirring performance of Usher’s classics. Tinashe brought the heat with “Nasty” before pivoting into “Nice & Slow,” showcasing some serious versatility. But it was Teyana Taylor and Monét who arguably stole the show. Their acrobatic take on “Bad Girl,” reminiscent of Beyoncé’s iconic performance, left everyone gasping for air. Latto closed the tribute in complete Usher ‘Yeah!’ mode, baggy outfit and all, minus Lil Jon’s booming voice.

Usher was introduced by legendary hip-hop artists and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. L.A. Reid and Babyface, who signed Usher as co-founders of his label LaFace Records, presented the award to Usher. “Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it,” said the honoree. “This Lifetime Achievement Award, I don’t know man. Is it too early for me to receive it? Because I’m still running and gunning, and I still love this shit like I was eight years old.”

Memorable Moments

Childish Gambino’s Speech: Gambino, fresh from his killer Usher tribute, retook the stage, this time to present the Album of the Year award. But instead of the usual platitudes, he delivered a zinger-laden monologue. “You know, I’ve got more Grammys than Will Smith and as many BET Awards as Sam Smith,” he quipped, eyes twinkling. The crowd chuckled, then collectively went, “Wait, what?” He wasn’t done yet. Gambino, who dropped his latest single, “Lithonia,” just two days prior, aimed for the awards show itself. “I mean, if they’re giving me the same number of awards as Sam Smith, what’s really going on here?” he mused, leaving everyone questioning whether to laugh or ponder life’s deeper meanings. While some fans scratched their heads at his jab at Sam Smith, others wondered if they should sign up for Gambino’s next comedy tour. I am sure Gambino’s critique of the BET Awards’ approach to celebrating diverse talents sparked conversation behind the scenes. I wonder what BET Owner Tyler Perry’s response will be?

Closing out the night, Lauryn Hill and her son, YG Marley, brought a potent mix of nostalgia and fresh energy. Performing hits from her iconic The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Ms. Hill reminded everyone why she’s a legend. YG added his own flavor with “Survival,” capping it off with a politically charged verse that echoed his mother’s influence. And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, Wyclef Jean popped up, and the trio launched into “Fu-Gee-La.” It was a hip-hop homecoming, and the crowd couldn’t have been more thrilled.

The 2024 BET Awards celebrated musical achievements and highlighted Black artists’ cultural and social impact. From the exuberant performances to the poignant speeches, the night was a testament to the richness and diversity of Black culture. The complete list of winners is listed below.

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Muni Long
Coco Jones
Doja Cat
H.E.R.
SZA
Tyla
Victoria Monét

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Brent Faiyaz
Bryson Tiller
Burna Boy
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
October London
Usher

Best Group
Y$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
41
Blxst & Bino Rideaux
City Girls
Flo
Maverick City Music
Wanmor

Best Collaboration
Lil’ Durk ft. J.Cole – All My Life
Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar – America Has A Problem (Remix)
Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (with Aqua) – Barbie World
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – Bongos
Y$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign ft. Rich the Kid, and Playboi Carti – Carnival
Lola Brooke ft. Latto & Yung Miami – Don’t Play With It (Remix)
Nicki Minaj ft. Lil Uzi Vert – Everybody
Usher, Summer Walker, & 21 Savage – Good Good
Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA – Rich Baby Daddy

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Cardi B
Ice Spice
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Sexyy Red

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
21 Savage
Burna Boy
Drake
Future
Gunna
J. Cole
Kendrick Lamar
Lil Wayne

Video of the Year
Doja Cat – Agora Hills
Lil Durk ft. J.Cole – All My Life
Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (with Aqua) – Barbie World
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – Bongos
Drake ft. J.Cole – First Person Shooter
Usher, Summer Walker, & 21 Savage – Good Good
Victoria Monét – On My Mama
Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA – Rich Baby Daddy

Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Child.
Cole Bennett
Dave Meyers
Janelle Monae & Alan Ferguson
Offset
Tems
Tyler, The Creator

Best New Artist
41
4Batz
Ayra Starr
Bossman DLow
Fridayy
October London
Sexyy Red
Tyla

Album of the Year
Chris Brown – 11:11
Gunna – A Gift & A Curse
21 Savage – American Dream
Usher – Coming Home
Drake – For All The Dogs (Scary Hours Edition)
Victoria Monét – Jaguar II
Killer Mike – Michael
Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday 2
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Shirley Caesar – All Of The Glory
Kirk Franklin – All Things
Halle Bailey – Angel
Cece Winans – Come Jesus Come
Erica Campbell – Do You Believe In Love?
Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine, & Chandler Moore – God Problems
Tems – Me & U
Kirk Franklin – Try Love

BET Her Award
Beyoncé – 16 Carriages
Nicki Minaj ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Blessings
Ayra Starr – Commas
Flo ft. Missy Elliot – Fly Girl
Megan Thee Stallion – Hiss
Victoria Monét – On My Mama
SZA – Saturn
GloRilla – Yeah Glo!

Best Movie
American Fiction
Bob Marley: One Love
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The Book of Clarence
The Color Purple
The Equalizer 3
The Little Mermaid

Best Actor
Anthony Mackie
Colman Domingo
Damson Idris
Denzel Washington
Donald Glover
Idris Elba
Jeffrey Wright
Lakeith Stanfield

Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Ayo Edebiri
Coco Jones
Danielle Brooks
Fantasia
Halle Bailey
Issa Rae
Regina King

YoungStars Award
Akira Akbar
Blue Ivy Carter
Demi Singleton
Heiress Diana Harris
Jabria McCullum
Jalyn Hall
Leah Jeffries
Van Van

Sportswoman of the Year
A’Ja Wilson
Angel Reese
Coco Gauff
Flau’Jae Johnson
Juju Watkins
Naomi Osaka
Sha’Carri Richardson
Simone Biles

Sportsman of the Year
Anthony Edwards
Gervonta Davis
Jalen Brunson
Jalen Hurts
Kyrie Irving
LeBron James
Patrick Mahomes
Stephen Curry

Best International Act
Asake
Aya Nakamura
Ayra Starr
BK
Cleo Sol
Focalistic
Karol Conka
Raye
Tiakola
Tyla

Viewers’ Choice Best International Act
Bellah
Cristale
Duquesa
Holly G
Jungeli
Makhadzi
Oruam
Seyi Vibez
Tyler ICU

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