BET Awards honor Black women
Performances aplenty at star-studded event
NEW YORK — Rapper Lil Baby and gospel performer Kirk Franklin joined forces to kick off the BET Awards with a performance that got Issa Rae, Queen Latifah, DJ Khaled and Zendaya bouncing in their seats.
The artists performed the anthemic song “We Win” at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night. In all white, they were joined by dozens of background dancers and band members for the topnotch performance.
The show was hosted by actor Taraji P. Henson, who said the BET Awards would celebrate “the year of the Black women.” The event was set to include more epic performers, including Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Nas X, H.E.R., Dababy, DJ Khaled, Jazmine Sullivan and Migos.
Swizz Beatz curated a tribute to DMX, who died in April at age 50. Performers were to include Busta Rhymes, Method Man and Griselda. And Grammy-, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winner Queen Latifah was to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Megan Thee Stallion and Dababy, former collaborators who recently traded words online, were top contenders with seven nominations each.
The “Savage” rapper, who won three Grammys this year, was up for best female hip-hop artist, album of the year for “Good News” and video of the year for “WAP,” her No. 1 hit with Cardi B. Megan Thee Stallion was also a double-nominee for both the viewer’s choice award and best collaboration.
Dababy had four songs competing for best collaboration: “Rockstar” with Roddy Ricch; “For the Night” with Pop Smoke and Lil Baby; “Cry Baby” with Megan Thee Stallion; and “What’s Poppin” with Lil Wayne, Tory Lanez and Jack Harlow.
He was also nominated for best male hip-hop artist, the viewer’s choice award and album of the year for “Blame It on Baby.”
Megan Thee Stallion and Dababy were two of the big stars at last year’s BET Awards — the first awards show to air during the pandemic. It was a critical success and featured pre-taped performances.
This year’s show allowed those who are vaccinated to be part of the live audience. The network said it worked closely with Los Angeles County to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.
Andra Day won best actress, the first honor handed out on the telecast.