The 2024 BET Awards were a night to remember, filled with electrifying performances, heartfelt speeches, and unforgettable moments. However, one of the most talked-about highlights of the evening was the show-stealing appearance of Heiress Harris, the young daughter of rapper T.I. and singer Tiny Harris. Heiress, who has been in the public eye thanks to her parents’ reality show “T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle,” made a significant impact that night, further cementing her family’s legacy in the entertainment industry.
The evening began with a bang as Megan Thee Stallion kicked off the show with a high-energy medley of her latest hits, setting the tone for a night dominated by powerful female performances. Usher, who received the lifetime achievement award, was honored with a star-studded tribute that featured performances by Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Coco Jones, Summer Walker, Tinashe, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monét, and Latto. The tribute not only celebrated Usher’s illustrious career but also highlighted the current dominance of women in mainstream R&B.
As the night progressed, the audience was treated to a variety of performances that showcased the diversity and talent within the Black music community. Will Smith made a triumphant return to the stage, performing his latest single “You Can Make It” with the help of Kirk Franklin and the Sunday Service Choir. The performance was a powerful reminder of Smith’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
Killer Mike, who won the album of the year award for “Michael,” used his acceptance speech to address his arrest at the Grammys earlier this year and the importance of voting in local elections. His speech was a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Black artists and the importance of civic engagement.
Megan Thee Stallion continued to dominate the night with another performance, this time emerging from an egg to symbolize her musical rebirth. She performed a medley of her new singles “Hiss” and “Boa,” and later joined GloRilla for a surprise appearance during her performance of “Wanna Be.”
The show took a heartwarming turn when VanVan and Heiress Harris, two child rappers, performed their empowerment anthem “Be You” in a schoolroom set. Heiress, the youngest daughter of T.I. and Tiny Harris, captivated the audience with her confidence and talent, proving that she is a star in the making. Her performance was a testament to the Harris family’s enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
Throughout the night, several awards were handed out to deserving artists. SZA won best female R&B/pop artist, Regina King took home the best actress award, and Victoria Monét won the BET HER award for her song “On My Mama.” Monét, who also performed earlier in the night, brought her mother on stage to accept the award, creating a touching moment that resonated with the audience.
The night also featured performances by country musician Tanner Adell, who performed her songs “Buckle Bunny” and “Cowboy Break My Heart,” and Shaboozey, who performed “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with rapper J-Kwon. These performances showcased the genre-blending nature of contemporary Black music and the versatility of the artists.
Lauryn Hill closed the night with a powerful performance that included her classic hits “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” and “Lost Ones.” She was joined by her son YG Marley for his reggae tracks “Survival” and “Praise Jah In The Moonlight,” and Wyclef Jean for a performance of the Fugees’ “Fu-Gee-La.” The absence of Pras, the third member of the Fugees, was notable, but the performance was a fitting end to a night that celebrated the rich history and bright future of Black music.
The 2024 BET Awards were a celebration of talent, resilience, and the power of music to bring people together. From Usher’s lifetime achievement award to Heiress Harris’s show-stealing performance, the night was filled with moments that will be remembered for years to come. The Harris family’s legacy continues to grow, and with Heiress already making waves at such a young age, it’s clear that the future is bright for this talented family.
Source: E! News, Associated Press, Deadline
