The 2024 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, was a night to remember, filled with electrifying performances and heartfelt speeches. Among the highlights was Taraji P. Henson’s captivating performance of the skit “Not Like Us,” which set the tone for an evening celebrating Black excellence in music, film, and culture.
Taraji P. Henson, hosting the BET Awards for the third time, opened the show with a powerful monologue. She performed a skit titled “Not Like Us,” a loose parody of Kendrick Lamar’s hit song. Henson’s rendition was both a tribute and a call for unity, humorously addressing the ongoing feuds in the music industry. “No beef in here tonight,” she quipped, “Can we say plant-based?” Her performance was a reminder of the importance of solidarity and support within the community.
The night continued with a series of stellar performances. Usher, who received the lifetime achievement award, was honored with a tribute that featured a parade of artists performing his hits. Childish Gambino kicked off the tribute with “U Don’t Have to Call,” followed by Keke Palmer’s rendition of “You Make Me Wanna…” Coco Jones serenaded Usher and his wife Jenn Goicoechea with “There Goes My Baby,” while Summer Walker, Tinashe, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monét, and Latto delivered powerful performances of Usher’s other hits.
Usher, reflecting on his three-decade-long career, expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the challenges he faced. “Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it,” he said. His speech, though partially censored for the home audience, was a testament to his resilience and passion for music.
Will Smith made a dramatic entrance, standing in a circle of fire to debut his latest single, “You Can Make It.” Joined by Fridayy and the gospel choir Sunday Service, Smith’s performance was a message of hope and perseverance. Midway through, Kirk Franklin joined him, and the two delivered a powerful duet. Smith, addressing his recent controversies, emphasized the importance of finding wisdom in difficult times. “Dance in your darkest moments,” he urged the audience.
The forthcoming presidential election was a significant topic throughout the show. Killer Mike, who won the album of the year award for “Michael,” used his acceptance speech to discuss his arrest at the Grammys and the importance of voting. “Technically, I was not supposed to be here,” he said, recounting his arrest. He stressed the importance of local elections, urging the audience to be informed about their city council members and prosecutors.
Megan Thee Stallion opened the show with a metaphorical rebirth, emerging from an egg before launching into an energetic medley of her new singles “Hiss” and “Boa.” She later performed “Where Them Girls At,” a fan favorite from her latest album “Megan.”
Tyla, the Johannesburg, South African amapiano superstar, won two awards: best international act and best new artist. “This is crazy,” she said, dedicating her awards to Africa and the African superstars who paved the way for her.
Victoria Monét, who won the Grammy for best new artist earlier this year, made her BET debut with a high-energy performance that included three costume changes and two songs, “On My Mama” and “Alright.” Sexyy Red followed with a smooth performance of “U My Everything” and “Get It Sexyy,” set against an LED screen depicting the White House.
The show also featured performances by child rappers VanVan and Heiress Harris, who delivered their empowerment anthem “Be You” in a schoolroom set. Country musician Tanner Adell performed her songs “Buckle Bunny” and “Cowboy Break My Heart,” while GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion teamed up for “Yeah Glo!” and “Wanna Be.”
The night concluded with a performance by Lauryn Hill, who began with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” and “Lost Ones” before introducing her son YG Marley. The duo performed Marley’s reggae tracks “Survival” and “Praise Jah In The Moonlight,” and were later joined by Wyclef Jean for a rendition of the Fugees’ “Fu-Gee-La.”
The 2024 BET Awards was a celebration of Black culture, talent, and resilience. From Taraji P. Henson’s impactful skit to the powerful performances and heartfelt speeches, the night was a testament to the strength and unity of the community.
Source: Associated Press, Maria Sherman
