Last night, A-list actors, singers and athletes gathered at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater for the 2024 BET Awards. Themed “Standing on Culture,” this year’s show not only celebrated the best and brightest in Black creativity, but also gave us a host of iconic fashion looks and memorable performances. From diss track parodies to surprise performances, read on for a recap of our favorite moments from this year’s BET Awards.
Red Carpet Highlights
For fashion lovers, the best part of any awards ceremony is the red carpet, and the BET Awards didn’t disappoint.
Actress and host of the show Taraji P. Henson looked stunning in her first of four separate looks for the evening. She wore a custom gown by Balmain with jewels from Tiffany & Co. as she walked the carpet before the show.
Country pop artist Tanner Adell showed off her inner cowgirl in her all-white Western ensemble by Bach Mai for her BET debut.
Author and iconic Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin caught everyone’s eye with her sparkly gold gown by Ese Azenabor.
If there’s one man we can rely on to come through with an incredible red carpet look, it’s Colman Domingo. The Sing Sing actor wowed in a black and red ombre organza creation by Ferrari Style.
Coco Jones looked radiant as ever in a slinky green gown by Retrofête. She topped off the look with an undone bun and silver jewelry.
“It’s About Us”
Though Drake was the most nominated artist at last night’s awards, Henson opened the show with a parody of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” With “It’s About Us,” Henson turned the diss track into a song of cultural solidarity, referencing the roadblocks Black creatives face in the entertainment industry. “I’m rooting for all of us,” she said after her performance.
Usher Honored With 17-Minute Tribute
As the recipient of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, Usher was honored through a 17-minute -long tribute of his over 30-year-long career. Opened by Childish Gambino, the tribute featured performances from several artists including Keke Palmer, Coco Jones, Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monet. The performers took viewers on a journey through the R&B star’s biggest hits, including “You Make Me Wanna,” “Yeah!” and “Good Good.”
Will Smith Debuts New Song at The 2024 BET Awards
It seems like many have forgotten that Will Smith is a four-time Grammy-winning artist. To fans’ surprise, the Bad Boys star debuted a new song in a fiery performance on this year’s BET stage. The new song, “You Can Make It,” features Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir and is a gospel-inspired, motivational track. Smith set Twitter ablaze with his new release and rare live performance.
Women Win Big
Female artists won big at this year’s BET Awards. Tyla took home the award for Best New Artist, while Victoria Monét snagged Best New Video for her breakout single “On My Mama.” Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award, and Beyoncé won the Viewer’s Choice Award for “Texas Hold ‘Em.” In a big night for the Carters, Blue Ivy Carter also won the YoungStars Awards.
What was your favorite moment from this year’s award ceremony? Let us know in the comments below.
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