The BET Awards, which has turned out to be THE awards show for black america, showcased the best of the old that far outshined the new. Highlights of the evening which had more performances than awards, were the living legends that each commanded the stage in their own right. Patti LaBelle’s, moving dedication to the late, great Gerald LeVert was topped only by the spirit wrenching tribute “Wind Beneath My Wings”; sung by his father Eddie, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams, and Patti. Each of these artists effortlessly displayed the shear talent that has awarded them respect and longevity in their careers. Pioneering rap group Public Enemy filled the air with an enigmatic power and respect. Diana Ross who received the lifetime achievement award for her over 50 years in the business, said it best. “You don’t have to say the f-word and the n-word or bump and grind to have a career with longevity.” She spoke about how she built her career on having a sense of “class” and worked hard to uphold “high standards”. Hearing these words come out of “The Boss” was very poignant, understanding that she endured the cruelty of the n- word and the lack of respect for black talent, much less black beauty. Her words were like a wise Auntie speaking to her kin. She also made it a point to acknowledge Barry Gordy whom is not often celebrated for creating the Motown legacy that was a catapult for black music.
On a lighter note, other highlights were Erykah Badu, Steve Wonder and Chaka Khan’s tribute to Diana. Erykah's quite comfortable performing “Love Hangover” amongst these giants. Kelly Rowland's performance (thank God her album is Hot!) following Beyonce’s liquid gold, was perhaps saved by the mini Destiny's Child reunion featuring Solange .
I don’t know what 50 Cent was doing, he lip-synced the chorus of his raunchy yet irresistibly catchy new song “Amusement Park”, but barely spit a verse, and spent his performance walking/punking the audience. He closed his show with a shout-out to his Vitamin Water brand. I guess with arms like that, he doesn’t need to perform anymore??…
I must admit, that I missed Jennifer Hudson’s said to be stellar performance with Jennifer Holiday, I am sure I missed an incredible moment. Don Chedle’s acceptance speech for the Humanitarian award was humbling. I bet more than a few people were humbled by his and Diana’s words, as they all tried to voice respect for the groundbreakers toward the end of the unforgettable show.
BET Award Winners
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyonce - "Irreplaceable"
BEST GROUP
Gnarls Barkley
BEST ACTOR
Forest Whitaker
BEST ACTRESS
Jennifer Hudson
BEST HIP-HOP ARTIST
T.I.
BEST COLLABORATION
Ludacris f/ Mary J. Blige - "Runaway Love"
BEST NEW ARTIST
Jennifer Hudson
BEST MALE ATHLETE
LeBron James
BEST FEMALE ATHLETE
Serena Williams
BETJ COOL LIKE THAT
Gerald Levert
BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
Kirk Franklin
BEST MALE R&B ARTIST
Ne-Yo
BEST FEMALE R&B ARTIST
Beyonce
VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD
Birdman and Lil Wayne "Stuntin' Like My Daddy"
