BET AWARDS 2022!

BET never fails to put Black excellence at the forefront and showcase that talent is not limited by race. Talent comes in all shapes, colors, forms, genders, etc., and on June 26, 2022, the major network proved exactly that. The 2022 BET Awards were recorded live from Microsoft Theater, premiered at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on all BET channels, and simulcasted on Logo, MTV, MTV2, TV Land, and VH1. The show was one of great performances, laughter, and celebration of culture. Which is why it has been known to hold the title “Cultures Biggest Night.”

The night opened with a glistening gold-filled theater, where Lizzo began playing the flute to her song “About Damn Time.” Lizzo was surrounded by clock backdrops, gold props, and a diverse group of dancers dripping in gold which added emphasis to her jaw-dropping performance.

Followed by an African-inspired royal entrance for the host of the evening Taraji P. Henson. Taraji P. Henson took the time to celebrate body positivity and the power of being Black, she also tackled some of America’s most pressing issues like gun control, Women’s Rights, among others. Then Kenya Barris sent a powerful message about #WIDENTHEVIEW in partnership with P&G. Jack Harlow took the stage with DJ Drama to perform “Poison” with special guest Lil Wayne in a house party set up, and then he performed “First Class” center stage surrounded by dancers with special guest Brandy. MC Lyte and J.C. Smith (Black ASL Advocate/McDonald’s Future 22) joined forces to discuss the upcoming events for the evening with McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden.

Tamar Braxton and Serayah strutted their way onto the stage to introduce Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin. The group filled the theater with Gospel and praise as they performed “Kingdom” off their album Kingdom Book One with Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore. Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin utilized fog, background vocalists, and a live band. Then Ne-Yo introduced GoGo Morrow and she performed her song “In The Way.”

Terrence J came out to present Walmart x BET “Shine A Light” recipient Luke Lawal. Fireboy DML opened his performance with “Playboy” and then switched to “Peru” with a live band, background dancers, and flashing lights. Yung Bleu introduced SolidBlack Changemakers presented by Doritos and PepsiCo Foundation: Eric Hart Jr., Miss Diddy, DJ Mr. Rogers, Pikachulita, and more. Doechii graced the stage next with flashing lights and background dancers to perform “Persuasive” and “Crazy.” Taraji P. Henson then gave a spoken word and serenade to Black men with a Double Bass instrumentalist. Followed by Muni Long’s performance of “Time Machine” and “Hrs & Hrs.”

Walmart then presented a surprise Special Treat with a performance from Jac Ross and his song “Never Say.” Next to hit the stage was Chance the Rapper featuring Joey Bada$$ “The Highs & The Lows.”

Later Ella Mai came to the stage to perform “DFMU,” then “Keeps On Fallin” with Babyface and a live band, and she ended with “How” with Roddy Ricch. Irv Gotti then introduced Ogi who performed “I Got It.” Latto left it all on the stage and performed “It’s Givin” with background dancers, flashy backdrops, and then she had special guests Young Dirty Bastard and Mariah Carey for her final song “Big Energy.” Billy Porter took center stage and presented Queer Elegance with a fun runway and dance performance. Matthew A. Cherry introduced “The Crown Act” Movement in partnership with Dove to raise awareness for the injustices people face with their Natural hair.

The BET Awards was taken back to the 90s with performances like “Come & Talk to Me” Jodeci, Mary J. Blige performed “I’m Goin’ Down,” Shyne, Bad Boy Entertainment, The Lox, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, and then “Gotta Move On” Bryson Tiller all celebrating Diddy. Next, Chlöe took the stage to perform “Surprise” with a seductive and empowering performance with a lap dance, and then with background dancers, flashing lights, and fun dance moves she performed “Treat Me.” NeNe Leakes, Big Freedia, and Ray J introduced Givēon, and he shut down the night with his performance of a medley (“Heartbreak Anniversary,” “For Tonight” and “Lie Again”) of songs and some off his album Give Or Take.

Throughout the show award, winners were announced and Janelle Monáe graced the stage to present the first award of the night for the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist (Ari Lennox, Chlöe, Doja Cat, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, Mary J. Blige, Summer Walker): Jazmine Sullivan. Will Packer and Idris Alba took the stage together to present the award for Best New Artist (Baby Keem, Benny The Butcher, Latto, Muni Long, Tems, Yung Bleu): Latto. Marsai Martin then came out to present the award for Best Collaboration (Essence Wizkid Feat. Justin Bieber & Tems, Every Chance I Get DJ Khaled Feat. Lil Baby & Lil Durk, Family Ties Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, Kiss Me More Doja Cat Feat. SZA, Way 2 Sexy Drake Feat. Future & Young Thug, Whole Lotta Money (REMIX) BIA Feat. Nicki Minaj): Essence Wizkid Feat. Justin Bieber & Tems. Luke James and Kandi Burruss came to the stage together to present the award for Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award (All In Your Hands Marvin Sapp, Come To Life Kanye West, Grace Kelly Price, Hallelujah Fred Hammond, Hold Us Together (Hope Mix) H.E.R. & Tauren Wells, Jireh Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music, We Win Lil Baby X Kirk Franklin): We Win Lil Baby X Kirk Franklin.

Tisha Campbell and Carl Anthony Payne II came out and presented the award for BET Her (Best of Me (Originals) Alicia Keys, Good Morning Gorgeous Mary J. Blige, Have Mercy Chlöe, Pressure Ari Lennox, Roster Jazmine Sullivan, Unloyal Summer Walker & Ari Lennox, Woman Doja Cat): Good Morning Gorgeous Mary J. Blige. Eva Marcille came out to preset the award for Best International Act Dave (UK), Dinos (France), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Fireboy DML (Nigeria), Little Simz (UK), Ludmilla (Brazil), Major League DJZ (South Africa), Tayc (France), Tems (Nigeria): Tems (Nigeria). Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer stepped out together to present the award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist (Blxst, Chris Brown, Givēon, Lucky Daye, The Weekend, Wizkid, Yung Bleu): The Weekend. Babyface came back out to recognize Diddy and Ye presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Diddy. Paula Patton stepped out on the stage to present the award for Best Actress (Aunjanue Ellis King Richard, Coco Jones Bel Air, Issa Rae Insecure, Jennifer Hudson Respect, Mary J. Blige Power Book II: GHOST, Queen Latifah The Equalizer, Quinta Brunson Abbott Elementary, Regina King The Harder They Fall, Zendaya Euphoria | Spider-Man: No Way Home): Zendaya Euphoria | Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Best Group (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Chlöe X Halle, City Girls, Lil Baby & Lil Durk, Migos, Young Dolph & Key Glock): Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic. Video of the Year (Family Ties Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, Have Mercy Chlöe, Kiss Me More Doja Cat Feat. SZA, Pressure Ari Lennox, Smokin Out The Window Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Way 2 Sexy Drake Feat. Future & Young Thug): Family Ties Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar. Album of the Year (An Evening With Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Back of My Mind H.E.R., Call Me If You Get Lost Tyler, The Creator, Certified Lover Boy Drake, Donda Kanye West, Heaux Tales, Mo' Tales: The Deluxe Jazmine Sullivan, Planet Her Doja Cat): An Evening With Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic. Best Female Hip Hop Artist (Cardi B, Doja Cat, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Saweetie): Megan Thee Stallion. Best Actor (Adrian Holmes Bel Air, Anthony Anderson BLACK-ISH, Damson Idris Snowfall, Denzel Washington The Tragedy of Macbeth, Forest Whitaker Respect | Godfather of Harlem, Jabari Banks Bel Air, Sterling K. Brown This Is Us, Will Smith King Richard): Will Smith King Richard. Best Male Hip Hop Artist (Drake, Future, J. Cole, Jack Harlow, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby): Kendrick Lamar. The cast of Tyler Perry's Sistas (KJ Smith, Mignon Von, Ebony Obsidian, Novi Brown, Crystal Hayslett) presented the YoungStars Award (Akira Akbar, Demi Singleton, Marsai Martin, Miles Brown, Saniyya Sidney): Marsai Martin.

Best Movie (Candyman, King Richard, Respect, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Summer of Soul, The Harder They Fall): King Richard. Video Director of the Year (Anderson .Paak A.K.A. Director .Paak, Benny Boom, Beyoncé & Dikayl Rimmasch, Director X, Hype Williams, Missy Elliott): Anderson .Paak A.K.A. Director .Paak. Sportswoman of the Year Award (Brittney Griner, Candace Parker, Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Sha'Carri Richardson, Simone Biles): Naomi Osaka. Sportsman of the Year Award (Aaron Donald, Bubba Wallace, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, Lebron James, Stephen Curry): Stephen Curry.