The 2019 BET Awards was a powerful, entertaining and inspirational showcasing of some of the industry’s best entertainers, sports figures, humanitarians and cultural icons. Hosted by actress and comedian Regina Hall (Girls Trip, The Hate You Give), the show aired live on BET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on June 23.
The night’s big winners were Cardi B., Beyonce’, Michael B. Jordan, Bruno Mars, the movie Blackklansman and Childish Gambino.
The 19th Annual BET Awards honored the life and work of late hip hop artist, entrepreneur and activist Nipsey Hussle with a posthumous Humanitarian Award. Rihanna presented Mary J. Blige with the Lifetime Achievement Award while Taraji P.Henson presented Tyler Perry with the Ultimate Icon Award for his trailblazing contributions in TV and Film. Blige and Perry both attributed how they do what they do to a higher power. I was especially inspired by Tyler Perry’s speech in which he encouraged those who have made it to “carry” someone else over with them and to “Own your stuff. Own your business. Own your way.”
The show featured some of the best performances I have seen on an awards program this year, including my favorite, a soul-stirring performance by inspirational artist Kirk Franklin with Kelly Price, Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell of Kirk’s chart topping hit “Love Theory.”
Card B and Offset kicked things off with an electrifying performance of “Clout” and “Press.” Not to be outdone, Mary J. Blige, the queen of hip-hop soul, gave a mini concert of some of her biggest hits, like “No More Drama,” “Real Love” and Fine” with a little help from Lil Kim and Method Man.
Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus brought a bit of hip hop country to the show by performing their number one hit, “Old Town Road” for the first time ever on television. The crowd loved it and stood on its feet singing in every word from start to finish. Equally exciting was Lizzo who donned a wedding leotard and wowed the audience with her performance of “Truth Hurts.”
The big tear jerker for me was the musical tribute to Nipsey Hussle featuring John Legend, DJ Khaled and Marsha Ambrosius with a performance of “Real Big” and “Last Time I Checc’d” with choir background vocals by clouds. And let’s not forget the fun-fun performance by D.C. go-go music master Sugar Bear from EU of that group’s 1980s hit “Doing Da Butt.” He was joined by fellow D.C. natives Regina King and Taraji P. Henson doing what else “Da Butt” dance.
Among other highlights of the night was an appearance by the Exonerated Five formerly known as the Central Park Five. They graced the stage to tell how important it is to tell the truth. And, Nigerian artist Burba Boy’s mom’s short but impactful acceptance speech on behalf of her son (he had just stepped away when they called his name as the winner of Best International Act). “Mama Burna” reminded the audience, “That every black person should please remember, that you were Africans before you became anything else.”
If you missed the live showing of the 2019 BET Awards just visit www.bet.com
Video of Tyler Perry’s inspiring speech at 2019 BET Awards courtesy of BET.
Here is a complete list of the 2019 BET Awards winners.
Best Female R&B / Pop Artist
Beyoncé
Best Male R&B / Pop Artist
Bruno Mars
Best Group
Migos
Best Collaboration
Travis Scott feat. Drake – Sicko Mode
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Nipsey Hussle
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Video of the Year
Childish Gambino – This Is America
Video Director of the Year
Karena Evans
Best New Artist
Lil Baby
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Snoop Dogg Feat. Rance Allen – Blessing Me Again
Best Actress
Regina King
Best Actor
Michael B. Jordan
YoungStars Award
Marsai Martin
Best Movie
BLACKKKLANSMAN
Sportswoman of the Year Award
Serena Williams
Sportsman of the Year Award – Stephen Curry
Album of the Year
Invasion Of Privacy – Cardi B
BET Her
H.E.R. – Hard Place
Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
Ella Mai “Trip”
Best International Act
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Best New International Act (fans voted) – Sho Madjozi (South Africa)
Video clip of Kirk Franklin’s performance Courtesy of BET