It’s no secret that the BET Awards is culture’s biggest night. The annual award ceremony recognizes, celebrates, and honors the achievements of black creatives in the entertainment industry. The ceremony was held on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the Microsoft theater located in Los Angles, California. Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson hosted this year’s ceremony.
Here are some highlights from the night:
Latto receives her first award and brings Mariah Carey onstage
“It’s been a long time coming I’m so appreciative, my first award!“ is what Atlanta rapper Latto said as she tearfully accepted her first-ever award. She walked away with “The Best New Artist” award. Later in the show, she performed her hit single “Big Energy Remix” where she brought out Mariah Carey and literally gave Carey “her flowers”.
Jack Harlow brings out Brandy
Kentucky rapper Jack Harlow performed hit songs “Poison” and “First Class“ as he brought out singer Brandy! This comes after Harlow revealed on Hot 97 that he didn’t know Ray J and Brandy were siblings early last month. This shocking confession broke the internet but it seems that things are all good now between the two.
Tems Receives Award
Nigerian artist Tems received Best International Act. While accepting the award Tems left the audience with a motivating message as she dedicated her award to all young women striving to accomplish their goals. She stated “Thank you so much for this, thank you so much. It’s an honor… I mean, this is my first award show that I’m winning something and I just want to use this as an opportunity to speak to every single young, old, whatever, every single woman watching this, every single girl”.
Kirk Franklin passes the Baton to Maverick City
Multiple-time BET award winner Kirk Franklin won the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for his hit song “We Win” featuring Atlanta rapper Lil Baby. While receiving the award the Gospel singer brought the group Maverick City on stage to give them the award. Franklin stated “I want to be a blessing to the next generation. Maverick City deserves this baton. This award, I want to embrace it to Maverick city, the next generation of gospel music. Give it up for them right now.”
Diddy Lifetime Achievement Award
Music Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs received the Lifetime Achievement Award this year. Several musical icons took the stage to honor the mogul. Icons such as Jodeci, Mary J Blidge, Lil Kim, and many more took the stage to pay homage to Combs’ work throughout the years. After the performances, Combs was awarded by producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Kanye West. West expressed how much of an inspiration Combs was to him throughout his career he stated, "Puff if I never told you I love you, you're my brother.”
Cholë Performs Latest Single
Cholë Bailey never fails to remind us that she is all grown up! The singer hit the stage to perform a sexy rendition of her newest single “Surprise”. Bailey began the performance wearing a leather coat but quickly removed it to reveal a glittery bodysuit. Throughout the performance, Bailey shocked the crowd as she danced around a blindfolded man.
