The Best Moments at the 2024 BET Awards
The annual BET Awards ceremony commenced in the last week of June, delivering a captivating display of pride, love, and Blackness.
June had much to offer, from the month-long celebration of love and pride to highlighting the beauty of Black artists during Black Music Month. As the first month of summer ends, there is still one more extravaganza in store.
The highly anticipated award show opened with the vibrant and lovable enthusiasm of Golden Globe awardee Taraji P. Henson as the night’s host, “It’s going to be an incredible show. You know it’s culture’s biggest night. The performers will blow us all away,” Henson shared with People magazine. And how right she was.
The night kicked off with an electrifying performance by three-time Grammy award winner Megan Thee Stallion, who set the tone with her hit singles, “Hiss” and “BOA,” along with her latest song, “Where Them Girls At” from her newly released self-titled album Megan. Shortly after, Henson retook the stage, donning a red hooded outfit mimicking Kendrick Lamar’s attire from his Pop Out: Ken and Friends event.
They not like us!
— #BETAwards (@BETAwards) July 1, 2024
It doesn’t get better than Taraji performing our fave Kendrick anthem!
She brought the house down with her fierce energy and undeniable swag. #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/tu76PfdMEV
In her rendition of Lamar’s popular single, “Not Like Us,” Henson delivered a performance titled “This About Us” to promote unity. “Why not? It’s culture’s biggest night,” Henson explained, adding her appreciation for live performance and theater.
The star-studded showcase of performers continued to captivate the audience with diverse acts. Glorilla delivered rambunctious performances of “Yeah, Glo” and her newest single, “TGIF.” Latto debuted with her singles “Sunday Service” and “Big Mama,” while Ice Spice performed “Think U The S**t (Fart)” and “Phat Butt” from her debut album Y2K.
Sexyy Red was amazed with her politically inspired performance of “Get it Sexyy” and “U My Everything.” The underrated star performance of the night featured Doechii‘s newest single, “Rocket,” a collaboration with BET Awards and Sprite Limelight.
Will Smith debuted his new song at the BET Awards.
— BET (@BET) July 1, 2024
From Fresh Prince to music royalty, he showed us why he’s always been a legend. #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/2ZY1pihbKh
Additional notable performances included Ms. Lauryn Hill and her son YG Marley, Muni Long, Shaboozey, Childish Gambino, Victoria Monét, Chlöe Bailey, Keke Palmer, Coco Jones, Summer Walker, and a particular act from Will Smith. Smith debuted his newest and first-ever solo material in five years, “You Can Make It,” an uplifting tribute to the hardships he has faced and the escapism in music.
The sheer talent among the night’s winners overwhelmed the voting polls, but ultimately, the fans, viewers, and voters reached a consensus. SZA and Usher were awarded Best Female and Male R&B/Pop Artist, respectively, while Nicki Minaj and Kendrick Lamar won Best Female and Male Hip-Hop Artist.
Furthermore, Tyla took home both Best New Artist and Best International Act. Tem‘s music video and song “Me & U” won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award, and Monét won two awards for her 2023 single “On My Mama,” receiving both the BET Her and Video of the Year awards.
Let’s run this @usher tribute back real quick. What’s the first thing that came to mind when y’all saw @teyanataylor and @victoriamonet together on stage? #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/8jrsmESE4t
— BET (@BET) July 2, 2024
To finalize, the biggest night in culture held a special tribute for the “Superstar” superstar, Usher. The iconic “Coming Home” artist received the Lifetime Achievement BET Award, an esteemed honor previously granted to icons like Prince, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, and Lionel Richie. The tribute, filled with heartfelt performances, began with Gambino and Palmer performing a cappella version of Usher’s 2001 hit “U Don’t Have to Call.”
Continuing the mainly female-led tribute, Palmer performed “U Make Me Wanna,” Jones sang “There Goes My Baby,” Marsha Ambrosius delivered “Superstar,” Bailey performed “Good Kisser,” Tinashe sang “Nice & Slow,” Teyana Taylor performed “Bad Girl” with a dance number from Monét, and Latto closed with “Yeah!” Walker also performed her Usher collaboration “Good Good,” featuring 21 Savage, which was nominated for Best Collaboration and Best Video at the awards ceremony.
It’s time to recognize the artist who took the hip hop world by storm with his groundbreaking tracks and unforgettable performances.
— BET (@BET) July 1, 2024
Usher Raymond IV, your impact on music and hip hop culture is undeniable.
Congratulations on winning Best Male R&B/Hip-Hop Artist! pic.twitter.com/Le2itSe98m
The 2024 BET Awards was a night to remember, celebrating the rich culture and immense talent within the Black community. The event left audiences eagerly anticipating the following year’s celebration, already excited for what’s to come.
Click here to access exclusive behind-the-scenes performances from the BET Awards show.
