Beyoncé, Prince, Ali, politics dominate BET Awards
LOS ANGELES — The BET Awards — or “The Prince Tribute Show” — featured emotional and energetic performances from Sheila E., Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson honoring the Purple One, along with political statements on issues ranging from racial injustice to the U.S. presidential election.
Janelle Monae was animated as she danced and ran through Prince tunes, including “Kiss,” “Delirious” and “I Would Die 4 U.” Bilal was sensual and passionate during “The Beautiful Ones,” even lying on the floor while singing near the end of the performance. The Roots backed Bilal, and the band was also behind Erykah Badu as she performed “The Ballad of Dorothy Parker,” singing softly as she grooved in place.
The show went from Prince to political throughout the night.
“Grey’s Anatomy” actor Jesse Williams, who earned the humanitarian award for his efforts as an activist, gave a fiery, nearly sixminute speech that brought the audience to its feet and earned a rousing applause.
Williams was introduced by BET CEO Debra Lee, who spoke about gun violence and brought up the Orlando shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub.
When “Empire” star Taraji P. Henson won best actress, she encouraged the audience to vote against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The BET Awards wasn’t all serious, though. Beyoncé kicked off the show with a surprise performance featuring Kendrick Lamar and multiple background dancers of her song “Freedom,” dancing in a pool of water to the song’s heavy beat.
Beyoncé won video of the year and the fan-voted viewers’ choice award for her hit, “Formation.”
In a surprise win, newcomer Bryson Tiller won best male R&B/pop artist, besting Chris Brown, The Weeknd, Tyrese and Jeremih.
Prince wasn’t the only icon honored Sunday — Muhammad Ali was remembered by his daughter and actor Jamie Foxx.
“To me and my eight sisters and brothers, he was just dad,” Laila Ali said onstage. “My father also once said, ‘If people loved each other as much as they loved me, it would be a better world.’ ”