The 2024 BET Awards took center stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 30, 2024. Hosted by Taraji P. Henson for the third consecutive year, the event was a star-studded affair featuring performances from a diverse lineup of artists, including Childish Gambino, Chlöe, Coco Jones, Keke Palmer, Marsha Ambrosius, Summer Walker, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill & YG Marley, Megan Thee Stallion, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, Tyla, Victoria Monét, and Will Smith. Usher was honored with the lifetime achievement award, following his record-breaking Super Bowl halftime show performance that captivated 129.3 million viewers.
The red carpet was a spectacle in itself, with appearances from a wide array of celebrities. Rapsody, Doechii, Kevin Gates, Shaboozey, Remy Ma, and legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were among those who graced the event. Taraji P. Henson, who has become a familiar face at the BET Awards, also made a notable entrance. Billboard had the opportunity to speak with many of the stars as they prepared for the evening’s festivities.
Drake led the nominations with seven nods, closely followed by Nicki Minaj with six. J. Cole, Sexyy Red, SZA, Monét, and Beyoncé each received five nominations, while 21 Savage, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, and Usher garnered four nominations each. The complete list of winners and performers can be found on the official BET Awards website.
The red carpet saw a parade of fashion and style, with Ice Spice making a striking appearance. Usher, Tyla, Mickey Guyton, Sexyy Red, Ty Dolla Sign, Doechii, Halle Bailey, G Herbo, Wyclef Jean, Chloe Bailey, Andra Day, DJ Mustard, Muni Long, Coco Jones, Blac Chyna, Colman Domingo, Remy Ma, Joey Bada$$, Terry Lewis & Jimmy Jam, BossMan Dlow, Tanner Adell, Kevin Gates, Ray J, Tinashe, Kirk Franklin, Gunna, Akon, Connie Diiamond, Rapsody, Shaboozey, 4Batz, Ghazi, and Lil’ Mo were among the many who attended.
The event was a celebration of the best in Black music, creativity, and sportsmanship. Performers like Childish Gambino, Chlöe, Coco Jones, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Keke Palmer, Latto, Marsha Ambrosius, Megan Thee Stallion, Muni Long, Ms. Lauryn Hill & YG Marley, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Summer Walker, Tanner Adell, Tyla, Victoria Monét, and Will Smith delivered electrifying performances. Presenters included Andra Day, Colman Domingo, DC Young Fly, Devale Ellis, Jay Ellis, Jessica Betts, Ms. Pat, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Saucy Santana.
Usher’s lifetime achievement award was a highlight of the evening. His Super Bowl halftime show in February set a new ratings record, and his contributions to music were celebrated with much fanfare. Will Smith also made headlines with the debut of a new, original song, marking his first solo performance on a major awards show since his controversial moment at the 2022 Oscars.
The BET Awards have always been a platform to honor the present and future of Black music and culture. This year’s event was no different, with performances and appearances from some of the biggest names in the industry. Ms. Lauryn Hill’s 1998 classic “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” was recently inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and her performance was a testament to her enduring legacy. Childish Gambino, another Grammy history-maker, also took the stage, reminding everyone of his groundbreaking achievements.
Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hiss” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her third chart-topping hit. Her third studio album, “Megan,” was released just days before the awards, and she opened the show with a powerful performance. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” made waves across multiple charts, showcasing his versatility and broad appeal.
Victoria Monét, who won three Grammys in February, including Best New Artist, delivered a memorable performance. Coco Jones, who won Best R&B Performance for “ICU,” and Tyla, the inaugural winner in the Best African Music Performance category for “Water,” also graced the stage. Ice Spice, with four Grammy nominations under her belt, was another standout performer.
GloRilla and Sexyy Red both had songs in the top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, further cementing their status as rising stars in the industry. The BET Awards have always been a platform to showcase the best and brightest in Black music, and this year’s event was no exception.
The 2024 BET Awards were a celebration of talent, creativity, and culture. From the red carpet to the stage, the event was a testament to the power and influence of Black music and artistry. With performances from some of the biggest names in the industry and appearances from a who’s who of celebrities, the BET Awards once again proved why it is one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Source: Billboard, Getty Images, FilmMagic
