The annual BET Awards got underway at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 27) with Empire actress Taraji P. Henson acting as host and its first live audience since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The show was billed as the “Year of the Black Woman” in an effort to honor Black women, including Queen Latifah who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Black women have been essential drivers of change throughout history, from the political sphere to the cultural zeitgeist,” Executive Vice President of Music Programming & Strategy at BET Connie Orlando said in a statement. “We are looking forward to spotlighting and celebrating Black women during this year’s show, recognizing them for everything they’ve accomplished and applauding them for what’s to come.”
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Boasting musical performances from Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby, Tyler, The Creator, Migos, Method Man, Cardi B and more, the spirited event featured some of rap’s biggest artists.
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The evening’s festivities kicked off with Lil Baby and Kirk Franklin, who performed their song “We Win” from the soundtrack of Space Jam: A New Legacy. Migos soon took the stage to perform “Straightenin” and “Type Shit” from their new album Culture III. But everyone’s jaws dropped when Cardi B stepped out on stage revealing a very pregnant belly.
Check out the winners below.
Album of the Year
Ungodly Hour — Chloe x Halle
King’s Disease — Nas
Heaux Tales — Jazmine Sullivan — WINNER*
Good News — Megan Thee Stallion
Blame it on Baby — DaBaby
After Hours — The Weeknd
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Best Female R&B / Pop Artist
Beyoncé
H.E.R. — WINNER*
Jazmine Sullivan
Jhené Aiko
Summer Walker
SZA
Best Male R&B / Pop Artist
6LACK
Anderson .Paak
Chris Brown — WINNER*
Giveon
Tank
The Weeknd
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Best Group
21 Savage & Metro Boomin
Chloe X Halle
Chris Brown & Young Thug
City Girls
Migos
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak and Silk Sonic — *WINNER
Best Collaboration
“WAP” — Cardi B f. Megan Thee Stallion — *WINNER
“ROCKSTAR” — DaBaby f. Roddy Ricch
“Popstar” — DJ Khaled f. Drake
“What’s Poppin (Remix)” — Jack Harlow f. DaBaby, Tory Lanez and Lil Wayne
“Cry Baby” — Megan Thee Stallion f. DaBaby
“For the Night” — Pop Smoke f. Lil Baby and DaBaby
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Best Male Hip Hop Artist
DaBaby
Drake
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Lil Baby — WINNER*
Pop Smoke
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Coi Leray
Doja Cat
Megan Thee Stallion — WINNER*
Latto
Saweetie
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Video of the Year
“Up” — Cardi B
“WAP” — Cardi B f. Megan Thee Stallion — WINNER*
“Do It” — Chloe x Halle
“Go Crazy” — Chris Brown and Young Thug
“Laugh Now Cry Later” — Drake f. Lil Durk
“Leave the Door Open” — Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak and Silk Sonic
Best New Artist
Coi Leray
Flo Milli
Giveon — WINNER *
Jack Harlow
Latto
Pooh Shiesty
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Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel / Inspirational Award
“In Jesus Name” — Bebe Winans
“Never Lost” — Cece Winans
“Hold Us Together” — H.E.R.
“Strong God” — Kirk Franklin — WINNER*
“Thank You For It All” — Marvin Sapp
“Touch From You” — Tamela Mann
BET Her Award
“So Done” — Alicia Keys f. Khalid
“Baby Mama” — Brandy f. Chance the Rapper
“Anti Queen” — Bri Steves
“Baby Girl” — Chloe x Halle
“Rooted” — Ciara f. Ester Dean
“Good Days” — SZA — WINNER*
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Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Bruno Mars & Florent Déchard — WINNER*
Cole Bennett
Colin Tilley
Dave Meyers
Hype Williams
Viewer’s Choice Award
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