Culture’s biggest night, the BET Awards, was arguably the most talked about event of the past week. Highlighting Black excellence, the awards show premiered Sunday, June 27, with the most trending moments on social media and a number of incredible performances.
The iconic show, hosted by actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson, aired with a fully vaccinated audience. This year’s extraordinary show highlighted the absolute best in entertainment and culture with stunning performances and appearances by the biggest names across television, film, and music. With its highest number of musical acts ever the show featured performances by Andra Day, Busta Rhymes, City Girls, DaBaby, DJ Khaled, Griselda, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, Kirk Franklin, Lil Baby, Lil Buck, and Jon, Lil Durk, Lil Kim Lil Nas X, MC Lyte, Megan Thee Stallion, Mereba, Method Man, Michael K. Williams, Migos, Monie Love, Moneybagg Yo, Rapsody, Roddy Ricch, Swizz Beatz, The Lox, Tone Stith, Tyler The Creator and more.
During the virtual winner’s circle, many artists came out to celebrate their wins and performances. H.E.R, who won Best Female R&B/ Pop Artist, talked greatly about how women in R&B have become a force in music. “We’re just all from different worlds and we’re just all so different, and we are representing R&B,” said H.E.R.
Tyler, The Creator popped in after his performance to discuss his new album “Call Me If You Get Lost.” Tyler connected with famous rap producer DJ Drama on the new album. “He has a specific way of approaching a song,” said Tyler, The Creator. Tyler also acknowledged that new projects would be coming that aren’t just music.
The icy girl Saweetie came in to discuss her stunning outfit changes and new music on the way. Saweetie additionally spoke about how attending the BET award has been a dream come true. This was Sweetie’s second time performing at the show. “I used to watch this growing up with my cousins, eyes glued to the screen,” said Saweetie. “The fact that I’m here tonight as a Black woman is incredible.”
It was the year of Black women across the show. From speeches to performances, the vibrancy of Black women shined brighter than any year. Jazmine Sullivan took home Album of the Year. Sullivan expressed how her album “Heaux Tales” has become one of her proudest moments. “A lot of people don’t know, but this is really one of my first awards,” said Sullivan. “This is all very new to me and to have my mom here is amazing.”
Ashanti, Chloe Bailey, Ciara, Crystal Renee Hayslett, DJ Cassidy, Ebony Obsidian, Eva Marcille, Issa Rae, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, KJ Smith, Lena Waithe, Marsai Martin, Congresswoman Maxine Waters Michelle Buteau, Michelle Mitchenor, Mignon, Mj Rodriguez, Naomi Campbell, Novi Brown, Regina Hall, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Saweetie, Sevyn Streeter also made a special appearance at the award show.
Filled with non-stop exhilarating moments, the show secured the #1 most social show on all of TV. Outperforming the Oscars and the Golden Globes, the BET Awards 2021 was the best performing telecast on BET Digital ever. Fans worldwide were immersed on multiple screens garnering over 72 M views across BET Digital, up +11 % from last year’s coverage, and up +31% from 2019.
“We are thrilled with the remarkable success and viewership of the BET Awards,” said BET President Scott Mills. “We have been at the forefront of turning our signature programming events into massive cultural entertainment touchpoints that authentically celebrate the Black community as no other brand can.”
