Black star power ignited Los Angeles Sunday night as the world's finest Black entertainers descended on the 2024 BET Awards stage. No one shined more brightly than Lifetime Achievement honoree Usher Raymond who was treated to a platter of his hits performed by all women, with the exception of Childish Gambino who kicked off the salute. The ladies-- Keke Palmer, Chloe, Marsha Ambrosia, Coco Jones, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monet, and Latto--charmed the audience with seductive vocals and dance moves Usher also won the award for BEST R&B/Pop Male Vocalist.
In his lengthy acceptance speech, Usher spoke of forgiveness and fatherlessness as his sons sat front and center next to his mother and wife. He even admitted that some of the male executives who brought him into the business served as his protectors at times when he was threatened with violence. Chunks of the speech were muted but the part where he mentioned he is still working on forgiving his ex-wife Tameka Foster was audible.
Every award show has its share of snubs. The biggest one for this show was the complete blotting out of Canadian rapper Drake.
Drake entered the contest with 7 nominations, the most, but the feud between him and Kendrick Lamar continues online. The three-time host Taraji P. Henson performed Lamar's anthem "They're Not Like Us" and Vice President Harris made a reference to the song title in a pre-recorded clip on voting.
It is not a surprise that South African artist Tyla is the BET "Best New Artist of the Year." On the other hand, TEMS an artist from the Northwest part of the Motherland shockingly won the award for best gospel album. The award is named in honor of the former BEST Sunday morning host of Bobby Jones Gospel and is intended to go to the artists who record gospel music. While several tracks on TEMS album were inspirational, this was an abominable mistake as true gospel acts including the legendary Shirley Caesar were overlooked.
Blue Ivy Carter won BET's Young Star award and received congrats from her mom, Beyonce on social media, but Beyonce didn't win the Best Female R&B award. SZA did.
The were a few stand-out performances aside from the typical romp-shaking variety.
Will Smith debuted the song "You Can Make It" backed by Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, and a gospel choir.
The finale brought Lauryn Hill, her son, and Wyclef Jean to the stage. The audience members were visibly enjoying the 3-song set.
All of the winners follow...
Album of the Year
Winner: “Michael” — Killer Mike
“11:11″ — Chris Brown
”A Gift & A Curse” — Gunna
”American Dream” — 21 Savage
”Coming Home” — Usher
”For All the Dogs” (Scary Hours Edition) — Drake
“Jaguar II” — Victoria Monét
”Pink Friday 2″ — Nicki Minaj
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Winner: SZA
Beyoncé
Coco Jones
Doja Cat
H.E.R.
Muni Long
Tyla
Victoria Monét
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Winner: Usher
Brent Faiyaz
Bryson Tiller
Burna Boy
Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
October London
Best Group
Winner: ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign
2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
41
Blxst & Bino Rideaux
City Girls
Flo
Maverick City Music
WanMor
Best Collaboration
Winner: “All My Life” — Lil Durk feat. J. Cole
“America Has a Problem (Remix)” — Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Barbie World” — Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua)
“Bongos” — Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
“Carnival” — ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign feat. Rich The Kid, Playboi Carti
“Don’t Play With It (Remix)” — Lola Brooke feat. Latto & Yung Miami
“Everybody” — Nicki Minaj feat. Lil Uzi Vert
“Good Good” — Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage
“Rich Baby Daddy”— Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Winner: Nicki Minaj
Cardi B
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Ice Spice
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Sexyy Red
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Winner: Kendrick Lamar
21 Savage
Burna Boy
Drake
Future
Gunna
J. Cole
Lil Wayne
Best New Artist
Winner: Tyla
41
4Batz
Ayra Starr
Bossman Dlow
Fridayy
October London
Sexyy Red
Video of the Year
Winner: “On My Mama” — Victoria Monét
“Agora Hills” — Doja Cat
“All My Life” — Lil Durk feat J. Cole
“Barbie World” — Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua)
“Bongos” — Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion
“First Person Shooter” — Drake feat. J. Cole
“Good Good” — Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage
“Rich Baby Daddy” — Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA
Video Director of the Year
Winner: Cole Bennett
Benny Boom
Child.
Dave Meyers
Janelle Monáe & Alan Ferguson
Offset
Tems
Tyler, The Creator
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Winner: “Me & U” — Tems
“Award All of the Glory” — Shirley Caesar
“All Things” — Kirk Franklin
“Angel” — Halle Bailey
“Come Jesus Come” — CeCe Winans
“Do You Believe in Love?” — Erica Campbell
“God Problems” — Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore
“Try Love” — Kirk Franklin