2024 BET Awards: A Night of Stellar Performances and Emotional Tributes

The BET Awards once again proved why it’s known as “Culture’s Biggest Night.” Hosted by Taraji P. Henson for the third consecutive year, the 2024 ceremony took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and featured a stellar lineup of influential artists, industry experts, and tastemakers.

The evening began with an electrifying performance by Megan Thee Stallion, who, accompanied by a troupe of dancers, delivered a medley of her hits, including “Hiss,” “Boa,” and “Where Them Girls At.” This set the tone for the night, followed by Henson’s powerful rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” celebrating the intelligence and beauty of people of color.

After a brief intermission, Grammy Award-winning Victoria Monét took the stage, performing her hit single “On My Mama” before transitioning into “Alright,” with producer Kaytranada joining her. Usher received the night’s first award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. In an emotional speech, he emphasized the importance of fatherhood, encouraging all fathers in the audience to stand up and be recognized.

“Fatherhood is so important,” Usher said. “Far too often do we get to this moment, and we are able to say to our mothers, ‘Look mama, I made it.’ But we don’t get a chance to say enough ‘Dad, I did it.’ So, this one is for all of the men being generals to their sons, and motivation for our future Black leaders—young men.”

Comedian B. Simone then entertained the audience with a hilarious segment involving Algee Smith and DC Young Fly, discussing what constitutes a “Black job.” Rising star Sexxy Red followed with performances of “U My Everything” and “Get It Sexxy.” Vice President Kamala Harris also made an appearance in a video with Henson, highlighting the importance of voting in the upcoming election.

Young musicians Be You and Van Van delivered a set before Will Smith joined forces with Sunday Service, Kirk Franklin, and Chandler Moore to debut the new single “You Can Make It.” After performances by GloRilla and Shaboozey, Killer Mike won Album of the Year for MICHAEL, and the cast of A Diff’rent World presented Tyla with the Best New Artist award, her second win of the night.

In a touching moment, Monét brought her mother on stage to accept the BET HER Award. Performances by Latto, Tyla, Doechii, and Ice Spice set the stage for the evening’s highlight—Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Iconic producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis praised Usher for his talent and work ethic, and Donald “Childish Gambino” Glover kicked off the tribute with “U Don’t Have To Call,” joined by Keke Palmer. Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe Bailey, and Tinashe also performed, followed by a dynamic set from Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét. Latto closed the tribute by performing Ludacris’ verse from Usher’s 2004 hit “Yeah!”

As the evening drew to a close, Jam and Lewis returned with L.A. Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, founders of LaFace Records, who reminisced about their first meeting with Usher and congratulated him on his achievements. Usher, joined by collaborators Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, gave a heartfelt speech about gratitude and forgiveness.

Victoria Monét won the final televised award of the night for Video of The Year. The show concluded with a tribute to entertainers who had passed away in the past year. Lauryn Hill closed the ceremony with “Lost One” and “Praise Jah in the Moonlight” alongside her son YG Marley, and brought out Wyclef Jean for their hit “Fu-gee-la.” The 2024 BET Awards once again exceeded expectations, solidifying its status as a premier cultural event.

Full list of Winners here.

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Ikenna Churchill

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