The anticipation for the 2024 BET Awards is reaching a fever pitch, and fans are particularly excited about one major highlight: Taraji P. Henson’s return as host and Will Smith’s highly anticipated performance. The annual award show, which honors Black entertainers and other minorities in music, film, sports, and philanthropy, is set to take place on June 30 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Taraji P. Henson, an award-winning actress, is no stranger to the BET Awards stage. This year marks her third time hosting the event, and she promises to bring something special to the table. In an interview with ET’s Deidre Behar, Henson teased a “cool AF” surprise for the opening of the show. “Oh, lord. It’s just another part of my talent that you guys get to see,” she said with a laugh. “You gonna see a lot of things. [It will be] another surprise for a lot of my fans that didn’t know I could do this.”
Henson, 53, has been preparing for this moment in “mirror moments at home, in my sleep, in my head, every waking moment,” ensuring that her performance will be second nature when she steps on stage. She emphasized that the theme of the show will be about empowerment and togetherness, promising an uplifting experience for all viewers.
But Henson isn’t the only star set to shine at the 2024 BET Awards. Will Smith, the Oscar winner and four-time GRAMMY winner, is making a grand return to the music scene. BET announced that Smith will debut a new, original song during the ceremony. “From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage,” said Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy.
Smith’s performance is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see what he has in store. Henson expressed her excitement about Smith’s return to the stage, saying, “I’m proud of him. You can’t keep a good man down.”
The 2024 BET Awards will also pay special tribute to Usher, who will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award. Usher, known for his hits like “Love in this Club,” joins a celebrated list of past recipients, including Whitney Houston, Prince, Queen Latifah, and Mary J. Blige. Henson, a longtime fan of Usher, shared her admiration for the artist. “If he has not proven that he is at the top of his game and has remained at the top of his game for years and can pop out and prove it anytime he wants. I mean, what is there to discuss?” she said.
Henson’s excitement for the event is palpable, and she plans to share the experience with her family, including her son Marcell Johnson and her trainer Mike T. She also discussed her fitness journey, revealing that she has been working hard to transform her body. “It’s hard. It has been hard, but it’s been something that me and my trainer have been working on for some time,” she said.
In addition to Smith and Usher, the 2024 BET Awards will feature performances from a star-studded lineup, including Lauryn Hill, Ice Spice, Victoria Monét, YG Marley, Tyla, GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, and Shaboozey. The event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, a significant cultural milestone. “For five decades, hip hop has not only influenced American culture, but has become a global phenomenon and one of the most influential musical genres of our lifetime,” said Connie Orlando.
The 2024 BET Awards promises to be a night to remember, with a focus on celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black entertainers and other minorities. Fans can tune in to watch the live broadcast on BET on Sunday, June 30, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Source: ET, BET
