The 2015 Bet Awards took place June 28 in L.A at the Microsoft Theater. This was a star studded event that consisted of great performances, inspiring tributes and memorable speeches. Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, the 15th annual BET Award show was one to remember.
Annually held every year in L.A., the BET AwardS ceremony is one of many award shows that entertainers look forward to. Hosted by the funny Anthony Anderson and the beautiful Tracee Ellis Ross, it was definitely a comedic and interesting event. They entertained the crowd doing spoofs from shows such as Empire, Anthony Anderson playing as Sam Smith, and speaking on topics such as Rachel Dolezal.
To kick off the show, Kendrick Lamar performed his latest single “Alright” from his recent album To Pimp A Butterfly. He also blessed the stage with a a great speech after winning an award for Best Male Hip Hop Artist.
Of course one of the most talked about points of the BET Awards was the tribute to the iconic Janet Jackson. She received the Inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award presented by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The heartfelt tribute continued on with music’s most influential dancers who imitated some of Janet’s old moves. Artists/dancers such as Tinashe did her routine to “Pleasure Principle”, “All For You” by Jason Derulo and Ciara for “If”. All three of the amazing dancers came together for an exciting dance off to “Rhythm Nation” which forced the entire crowd to their feet. Janet Jackson then came up to receive her award, smiling and thanking god humbly.
The talented Alecia Keys made a suprising appearance to perform “Earned It” with The Weeknd. Janelle Monae hit the stage to perform her single “Yoga” which was then followed by Jidenna and his single that’s been on fire lately “Classic Man”.
The Dream Chaser himself Meek Mill tore down the stage along side Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj for “All Eyes On Us”. After, Andra Day and Avery Wilson of Music Matters presented by Nissan delivered great performances during the evening.
Chris Brown hit the stage and had the audience grooving to him and Tyga’s “Ayo” then continued on as he joined Omarion for an electric dance routine for their “Post To Be” performance.
Yazz, Jussie Smollett and Serayah from the Fox hit show Empire blessed the stage to perform “No Apologies” “You’re So Beautiful” and “Drip Drop” which the trippy god Juicy J joined in with a verse.
Sean Don also known as Big Sean amped the crowd with his stellar performance of “One Man Can Change The World”, “Blessings” and “IDFWU” bringing out special guest and Bay Area legend E-40.
One of the other iconic and memorable moments of the night was the Bad Boy reunion performance. The originator and CEO of Bad Boy Puff Daddy was the creator of 90’s greatest hits and was joined by Bad Boy’s own Lil Kim, 112, Ma$e, Faith Evans, The Lox and a huge projector which showed Notorious B.I.G. They performed classic hits like “Peaches & Cream,” “Feel So Good” All About The Benjamin’s” and “Hypnotize”. Puff also hit the stage with Pharrell to preview his new song “Finna Get Loose”.
To follow up Diddy’s performance, he then presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to the legendary singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson. Tori Kelly wowed the audience during her tribute to Smokey Robinson with her astonishing vocals as she sang “Who’s Loving You”, which was then followed by a very soulful performance by Robin Thicke. Ne-Yo hit the stage last to showcase an uptempo Smokey song as he sang and danced around the stage. The legend himself then took the stage to perform “Tracks Of My Tears” and “Cruisin'”. Robinson then decided to get the crowd involved as he continued on to sing the Motown classic “My Girl” for which Kelly, Thicke and Ne-Yo returned the stage.
One of the queen’s of soul and R&B music Patti LaBelle came to the stage to join Tamar Brazton and K. Michelle, who decided to put their riff aside, as all three performed “If Only You Knew”. The upcoming top freshman of music Fetty Wap put the icing on this epic night with his smash single “Trap Queen”. As always the BET Awards not only continues to draw constant viewers and fans of music, but great entertainers and supporters of the iconic event. There were appearances by Rihanna, Kevin Hart, Janet Jackson, Brandy, DeSean Jackson, Donald Glover also known as Childish Gambino, Gabrielle Union, Kelly Rowland, Lavern Cox, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Early, Nicole Ari Parker, Sanaa Lathan, Terrence Howard and Zendaya.
Husband and Wife Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe presented Bivian “Sonny” Lee III (Founder and President of Son of a Saint) as a recipient of the 2015 Shine-A-Light. The talented Michael B. Jordan also presented an honor to the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Rihanna, already a fashion and pop icon, made an appearance to give the attendees and viewers a first look from her music video “B*tch Better Have My Money” before it releases on Thursday, July 2. Of course this move had the entire audience yelling “give her her money!”
In addition to all of the exciting performances and unforgettable moments, here is the complete list of the BET Awards 2015 winners:
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – Beyonce
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown
Best Group – Rae Sremmurd
Best Collaboration – Common & John Legend “Glory” from motion picture Selma
Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Nicki Minaj
Video of the Year – Beyonce “7/11”
Video Director of the Year – Beyonce, Ed Burke and Todd Tourso
Best New Artist – Sam Smith
Best Gospel Artist – Lecrae
Best Actress – Taraji P. Henson
Best Actor – Terrence Howard
YoungStars Award – Mo’ne Davis
Best Movie – Selma
Subway Sportswoman of the Year – Serena Williams
Subway Sportsman of the Year – Stephen Curry
Coca-Cola Viewers Choice Award – Nicki Minaj ft. Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown “Only”
McDonald’s Im Lovin’ It Award – Nicki Minaj
Fandemonium Award – Chris Brown
Centric Award – The Weeknd
Best International Act: Africa – Stonebwoy ( Ghana)
Best International Act: UK – Stormzy
