Usher obtained a lifetime achievement award on the 2024 BET Awards — if the star even thought of it It might be a little early..
The Grammy winner remained on his toes as a parade of artists carried out his hits — Infantile Gambino kicked off the present with “U Don’t Must Name,” and was joined by Keke Palmer, who took the lead in “You Make Me Wanna…” Coco Jones emerged from the gang to carry out a rousing rendition of “There Goes My Child,” that includes Usher and his spouse, Jane Goicoechea.
Odd Jerucci/Reuters
Summer season Walker took the stage to “Good Good,” Tinashe carried out “Good & Sluggish,” Marsha Ambrosius carried out “Famous person” and Chloe carried out “Good Kisser.” Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monet collaborated on “Unhealthy Woman,” which mirrors Usher and Beyoncé’s choreography from their efficiency of the track. Lato introduced the power to “Sure!” In some methods, the tribute put the highlight on the ladies who carried a lot of the night time, dominating the exhibits.
After introductions by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, Usher accepted the award from music govt L.A. Reid.
“Getting right here definitely wasn’t straightforward, however it was value it,” Asher started his lengthy speech, reflecting on a profession that has spanned greater than three a long time. He questioned the timing, saying: “I nonetheless run and run and I nonetheless love that (expletive) like I did after I was eight.”
A lot of his speech couldn’t be heard by the viewers at dwelling as a result of it was censored.
“I forgive everybody who mentioned something destructive about me as a result of it motivated me to be who I’m,” he mentioned at one level.
Earlier within the night time, Will Smith stood in a circle of fireside — joined by Friday and the Sunday service gospel choir — to carry out a dwell efficiency of his newest single, “You Can Make It.”
“I do not know who wants this proper now,” Smith opened his assortment. “However I am right here to let you know, you may make it occur.”
Midway by way of, Kirk Franklin joined in, they usually then rapped collectively. “No person will get a straightforward trip,” mentioned Smith, who’s within the course of of constructing his comeback from damage. He slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars two years ago“There’s knowledge in that fireplace,” he informed the room. “Dance in your darkest moments.”
Odd Jerucci/Reuters
The upcoming presidential election was a serious matter of dialog all through the present. After Infantile Gambino offered Killer Mike with the Album of the Yr award for the track “Michael,” the rapper used his award acceptance speech to speak about his arrest and vote on the Grammy Awards.
“Technically, I wasn’t purported to be right here. I used to be handcuffed and escorted out of this constructing. However I need to let you know, take a look at God. As a result of I’m again, child. I’m again,” he mentioned in his speech. “I’m a winner.” Killer Mike was arrested on the Grammy Awards earlier this 12 months for a bodily altercation that he mentioned was sparked by an “overzealous” safety guard. He has not been charged within the incident.
“It’s vital to let you know who we’re voting for, and who we’re voting for on the massive stage,” he continued. “It’s vital, however it’s much more vital to know who your metropolis council member is, who your district legal professional is.”
Megan Thee Stallion opened the present by rising from an egg — a metaphor for her new musical beginning — earlier than diving right into a vigorous medley of her new singles “Hiss” and “Boa.”
“Positive, the place are my ladies?” she mentioned, shouting to Monet and Jones within the crowd earlier than launching into “The place Them Women At” — a track that has develop into an instantaneous fan favourite because the launch of her third studio album, “Megan,” on Friday.
Taraji P. Henson hosted the present on the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Her opening monologue was a efficiency, with Henson singing “It is About Us” in a parody of Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us,” which he launched within the midst of his renewed feud with Drake.
“No beef right here tonight,” I joked, “can we are saying vegetarian?”
Tayla, the South African amapiano star from Johannesburg, received two awards on the present, beginning with Greatest Worldwide Act.
Later that night time, she obtained the award for Greatest New Artist. “That is loopy,” she mentioned. “I simply need to dedicate this award to Africa.”
Monét, who earlier this 12 months received a Grammy for Greatest New Artist, made her BET debut and set the bar excessive for the present, condensing a complete set into a couple of minutes with three costume modifications and two songs, “On My Mama” and “Alright.”
Sexyy Pink then took the stage, performing “U My All the pieces” earlier than transferring to a different stage and altering her costume – performing “Get It Sexyy” in entrance of an LED display screen depicting the White Home and dancers dressed as Secret Service members.
The present noticed a shift in tone when Van Van and Herisse Harris, two youngster rappers, carried out the feminine empowerment anthem “Be You” in a schoolroom. Harris is the daughter of rapper T.I. and singer Teni Harris.
Greatest Feminine R&B/Pop Artist went to SZA, Greatest Actress went to Regina King, each of whom didn’t attend the ceremony; and the BET HER Award went to Monet for “On My Mama.” She introduced her mom to simply accept the award.
Nation singer Tanner Adele carried out her new songs “Buckle Bunny” and “Cowboy Break My Coronary heart.” Gloriella appeared from above, descending to hitch her dancers in a “Yeah Glo!” and “Wanna Be” – the latter of which noticed a shock look from Megan Thee Stallion. Chabuzi continued to ship riffs with “A Bar Music (Tipsy)” and was joined by rapper J-Kwon, who seems on the track, creating an surprising and rewarding cross-genre collaboration.
Lauryn Hill closed the live performance with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” after which “Misplaced Ones”, earlier than introducing her son YG Marley to the reggae songs “Survival” and “Reward Jah In The Moonlight”. Better of all, Wyclef Jean confirmed up, and the trio — in entrance of a full band — carried out the Fugees’ “Fu-Gee-La.” Pras, the third member of the Fugees, was not current. The rapper, who was accused of orchestrating multi-million-dollar political conspiracies spanning two presidential phrases, was convicted in April.
