- the host - started this year’s BET award show off wonderfully with a comedic introduction and a “performance” to Drake’s "Over". She looked beautiful as usual and definitely kept my attention after the opening act. Let’s backtrack…
. Kanye standing on top of a mountain with a mic & colossal chain wasn’t as interesting as I hoped that it would be. Next up was
, who performed a favorite of mine, “There Goes My Baby”. I felt his performance from the live band to the lighting and effects (except the vocals). I definitely think he set the bar for
, but I think Trey's vocals will be on point. I LOVED Nicki Minaj's acceptance speech! She definitely kept it real and gave a true heartfelt speech; minus the bit of hood that was apparent at the end.
. was up next and he put on a show as usual with
(who I love) as his drummer.
! If you missed the announcement, you might've thought that the award was for best group.
is coming to the stage old school passe style. Well deserved award for Drake, although not surprising. Although Queen Latifah's costumes got annoying very quick, little
was amazing! Hopefully we hear more from her in the future. Alicia did do a good job. She was glowing and looked and sounded beautiful; baby bump and all. Speaking of baby bump (or lack there of),
. She definitely wasn't herself, and I mean that in the best way, because she sounded great! Until she started to over sing the song, but overall, good performance.
Monica was next up singing her single "Everything to Me". Then she brought out legend
Denise Williams, who she sample the song from. The two went on to introduce the award for Best Collaboration; which went to
Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys for "Empire State of Mind". Next on the stage was
Diddy Dirty Money featuring T.I.,
Rick Ross, and Nicki Minaj. I can't front, that performance was all the way turned up! They killed, if you disregard the lip syncing.
Next up, Chris Brown with a Tribute to the late Michael Jackson. I missed the performance, but I did hear him and just glad that BET gave him a chance to hit the stage. He was probably overwhelmed by performing for the same people who lost respect for him last year after the infamous situation. I'm happy he received a standing ovation and was embraced. Hopefully he can come back full force, sooner than later.
Thank Me Later, or now if you must...DRAKE hit the stage with a medley and was joined on stage by
Young Jeezy (who looked crispy in his all white - the jacket was on point). They performed "Lost My Mind" (remix) and Drake was into his performance to say the lease. I was hoping he would perform "Light Up" and Jay would make a surprise appearance, but - that didn't happen.
And the award for "Best Male R&B Artist" goes to Mr. Trey Songz! He was up against some stiff competition; Chris Brown (who the crowd went wild for) and Usher to name a couple. His mother is beautiful and was so happy for him, as she should be. El Debarge followed and some may have said he danced more than he sang(and that the performance was random) - but it was a high energy performance...Gary Coleman was honored by Todd Bridges and Tyrese honor to Teddy Pendergrass by singing his classics. The tributes were kept alive by Kim Burrell, Karen Clark Shepard, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, and Yolanda Adams with a tribute song to Haiti. John Legend was the Humanitarian Award recipient of the Night for his work in the US and Africa with the "Show Me" campaign; who provides clean water, nutrition, and education to help break the cycle of poverty. AWESOME ACCEPTANCE SPEECH!
In my opinion, Trey Songz performance was better than Usher's although he did go a little too in at the end. He paid homage to Prince with a little bit of classic "Purple Rain", overall, good job to Trey! The award for "Video of the Year" went to Beyoncé and Lady Gaga for "Video Phone", in which neither ladies were present LOL!
Now for that Prince tribute...It started off with words from Stevie Wonder, who "saw Prince dance" lol and began with a performance from Janelle Monae. She was extremely animated as usual; while performing "Crazy" and had Prince looking at her like...OKAY! Esperanda Spaldin was next followed by Alicia Keys and Patti LaBelle - who went IN! Chris Brown took home an award on behalf of his fans, the "Fandeominum" award.
And one of the last performances of the night: "My Chick Bad" by Ludacris featuring Nicki Minaj. Tommy Lee on drums was on Drums and then came DJ Khaled featuring the new dream team, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Diddy for the "My Chick Bad" Remix followed by the "All I Do is Win remix". I LOVE LOVE LOVE that song! Great ending! I wish I was there, but that will soon come.
Some random things you may have seen in the audience of the show: Brandy looked great, until I saw her on stage. Lisa Raye was wearing white...surprised?, Tiny is now a blonde...again. Overall this was one of BET's best shows.
Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees of the night! What are/were your thoughts on the show?♥ t i f f a n ySpread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
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