The Unforgettable Night at the 2024 BET Awards
The 2024 BET Awards was held at the iconic Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, a venue that has hosted some of the most illustrious events in the entertainment industry. This year's ceremony stood out, not only for the glamorous red carpet appearances but also for the deeply impactful moments that graced the stage. The event was a celebration of Black culture, talent, and achievement, bringing together luminaries from the music industry for a night of recognition and unforgettable performances.
Among the standout honorees were Usher, Victoria Monét, and Tyla, each of whom left an indelible mark on the audience with their wins. Hosted by the charismatic Taraji P. Henson, the four-hour spectacle was riddled with electrifying performances that underscored the vibrancy of today's music scene. The ensemble of artists who performed was a veritable who's who of modern-day music, contributing to a night that was both entertaining and deeply significant for the culture.
Usher's Lifetime Achievement Award
One of the evening's most poignant moments was the tribute to Usher, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade is a testament to his enduring influence and contributions to the music industry over the decades. The award was presented by two legends in their own right, A. Reid and Babyface, who had the foresight to sign Usher to LaFace Records at the start of his career. Their words were heartfelt and served as a reminder of how far Usher has come since his early days in the industry.
The tribute to Usher was both evocative and powerful, featuring an array of performances from various artists. Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Tinashe, Victoria Monét, Teyana Taylor, and Latto each took to the stage to honor Usher in their unique styles. Their performances were heartfelt and dynamic, capturing the essence of Usher's legacy and the impact he has had on so many artists who have followed in his footsteps.
During his acceptance speech, Usher's genuine and unscripted remarks led to a brief moment of censorship on the broadcast. Interestingly, this moment of sudden censorship stood out because previous performers and presenters had used explicit language without any such interruptions. This moment added an unexpected twist to an already emotionally charged night, reminding everyone of the spontaneity and raw emotion that live events can bring.
Performances That Lit Up the Stage
The BET Awards have always been known for their show-stopping performances, and this year was no exception. The ceremony featured a stellar lineup that included performances by Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Childish Gambino, and many more. Each artist brought their A-game, delivering sets that were both visually and sonically spectacular.
Megan Thee Stallion, in particular, turned heads with a high-energy performance that had the audience on their feet. Her presence on stage was magnetic, reinforcing why she is one of the most formidable talents in hip-hop today. Similarly, Victoria Monét shared the stage with Kaytranada, Sexy Redd, Tanner Adell, Doechii, GloRilla, and others, showcasing a broad spectrum of musical styles and talents.
The night reached a powerful crescendo with a performance by Lauryn Hill. Known for her soulful and deeply moving music, Lauryn Hill delivered a show-stopping set that left the audience in awe. She was joined by Wyclef Jean for a rendition of 'Fu-Gee-La,' a hit that brought the audience back to the glory days of The Fugees. Their chemistry on stage was palpable, making it a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Recognition of Excellence Across Categories
Apart from the lifetime achievements and breathtaking performances, the evening was also about recognizing excellence across various music categories. The awards spanned a wide range of genres and disciplines, including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, Best Group, Best Collaboration, Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year, Video Director of the Year, Best New Artist, and Album of the Year.
Each winner took the stage with pride, sharing their gratitude and joy with the audience. These awards are not just about celebrating individual achievements; they are also about acknowledging the support systems and communities that help artists thrive. As the winners accepted their accolades, the importance of community, collaboration, and mutual support within the industry was a recurring theme.
It was heartening to see the industry come together to uplift and celebrate each other's successes. The joy and camaraderie among the artists highlighted the sense of unity and collective progress that is often a hallmark of the BET Awards.
Closing Thoughts
The 2024 BET Awards was a night filled with emotion, excitement, and empowerment. From Usher's heartfelt tribute to the dynamic performances that lit up the stage, the event was a testament to the enduring influence of Black culture in the music industry. It was a celebration of past achievements, current successes, and future potential, reminding everyone of the incredible talent and creativity that continues to shape the world of music.
As the curtains closed with Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean's powerful performance, it was clear that the BET Awards had once again succeeded in bringing together the best of the best for an unforgettable evening. The energy, passion, and sheer talent displayed throughout the night will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all those who attended and watched from afar.
16 Comments
nidhi heda
July 2 2024
OMG Usher cried during his speech and I cried TOO 😭😭😭 That moment when they cut away?? I NEED THE UNCENSORED VERSION. WHO EVEN DID THAT??
Rohit Raina
July 3 2024
Wait, you're telling me the network censored Usher but let Megan Thee Stallion say 'bitch' three times in a row? That's not consistency, that's hypocrisy dressed in a tuxedo.
Prasad Dhumane
July 5 2024
Honestly? The whole night felt like a family reunion where everyone brought their A-game. Usher’s tribute wasn’t just performance-it was legacy. And Lauryn Hill? She didn’t sing, she summoned spirits. That’s rare. Even the censored moment? Kinda beautiful in its messiness. Live TV doesn’t play safe, and thank god for that.
rajesh gorai
July 5 2024
The ontological rupture in the broadcast censorship paradigm is fascinating. Usher’s raw affective discharge was commodified as 'inappropriate' while performative aggression in hip-hop is normalized. This speaks to the hegemonic epistemology of Black emotional expression-only certain forms of pain are palatable. 🤔
Rampravesh Singh
July 6 2024
Let it be known that the BET Awards 2024 exemplified the highest echelons of professional excellence, cultural reverence, and artistic integrity. Every performer, every speech, every moment was meticulously orchestrated to honor the indomitable spirit of Black creativity. This is the standard.
Akul Saini
July 6 2024
Interesting how the censorship only happened during Usher’s emotional outburst and not during any of the explicit lyrics or aggressive stage antics. There’s a cultural bias here-vulnerability gets flagged, aggression gets applauded. Also, Tyla’s performance was criminally underedited. She deserves a Grammy just for breath control.
Arvind Singh Chauhan
July 8 2024
I still can’t believe they cut away from Usher. I was crying. I was really crying. And then... silence. No audio. No words. Just a commercial break. Like they were ashamed of him being human. I’m not even mad. I’m just... hollow.
AAMITESH BANERJEE
July 9 2024
Man, I just sat there after the Lauryn Hill set and thought-this is why we need spaces like BET. Not just for the awards, but for the moments you can’t plan. Like when Victoria Monét looked at Usher after her verse and just smiled like she was remembering her first demo. That’s the stuff that lasts longer than trophies. Also, the stage lighting on Teyana Taylor? Chef’s kiss.
Akshat Umrao
July 9 2024
Usher’s speech was pure. The censorship? Kinda wild. But hey, at least they didn’t cut to a commercial during Lauryn’s ‘Doo Wop’ part. That’d be a crime 😌
Sonu Kumar
July 9 2024
I mean... anyone who thinks this was ‘authentic’ clearly hasn’t seen the behind-the-scenes edit. The ‘spontaneous’ moment? Pre-rehearsed. The tears? Directed. The censorship? A marketing ploy to drive Twitter engagement. The industry is a machine. And we’re all just content.
sunil kumar
July 10 2024
The technical execution of the Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean collaboration was exemplary. The vocal layering, the timing, the spatial audio balance-remarkable. One might argue the performance surpassed the technical fidelity of the Grammy broadcast last year.
Derek Pholms
July 10 2024
Let me be clear: if you didn’t cry during Usher’s tribute, you’re not Black enough. And if you didn’t get chills when Lauryn sang, you’ve never loved music-you’ve just consumed it. This was sacred. The censorship? A betrayal. But we knew it was coming.
Mark Dodak
July 11 2024
I watched this with my 72-year-old dad who grew up listening to Motown. He kept saying, ‘This is what they used to do before everything got corporate.’ He cried during Usher’s speech. I cried during Tyla’s. We didn’t say a word for ten minutes after Lauryn finished. That’s the power of it. No words needed.
Stephanie Reed
July 11 2024
I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. Victoria Monét winning, Tyla blowing up, Usher being honored by the generation he inspired-it’s full circle. And the fact that they didn’t cut away from the real moment? That’s progress. We’re learning to let Black emotion breathe.
Jason Lo
July 12 2024
Usher’s speech was emotional, sure-but did anyone else notice how he didn’t thank his ex-wife? Or the fact that he didn’t mention his kids? This whole tribute was a PR masterpiece. The real story is the silence, not the song.
nidhi heda
July 13 2024
JASON LO YOU’RE A MONSTER 😭😭😭 HOW DARE YOU SUGGEST URSER DIDN’T MEAN IT?? I WAS THERE IN MY LIVING ROOM SCREAMING AND YOU’RE OVER HERE WITH YOUR ‘PR MASTERPIECE’??