The 2014 BET Awards has kicked off at Nokia Theater and is sure to be a memorable one. In past years, Michael Jackson presented James Brown with a lifetime achievement award, Destiny’s Child gave lap dances to Nelly, Magic Johnson and Terrence Howard, and Chris Brown broke down in tears while performing “Man in the Mirror.” Chris Rock opened the show as host and took jabs at Solange Knowles, Jay Z and Rick Ross’s weight.
Pharrell opened the show with “Come Get It Bae.” The crowd went crazy when surprise guest Missy Elliott joined Pharrell for the performance.
Gabrielle Union and Regina Hall presented the first award of the night for Best New Artist to August Alsina, who shed some tears while receiving the award.
“And we’re black,” Rock says returning to the stage.
Lil Wayne performed complete with a blinged-out grill, with most of the song bleeped out and heavy drums on the background.
The award for Best Actress went to Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong’o, who did not attend the show.
John Legend performed hit song “You and I” and then took to the keys while Jhen (c) Aiko sang.
On the red carpet “Think Like A Man Too” star Gary Owens told
Variety
that he hadn’t met Mike Tyson before and was nervous to present with him. On stage, they presented the award for Best Hip Hop Artist to Drake. Owens got some laughs when he shouted, “Started from the bottom,” quoting Drake’s hit while he accepted the award on behalf of him, who did not attend.
Rock really got some reaction from the crowd when introducing Chris Brown to the stage. “Chris Brown just signed a new deal, too bad it was a plea deal,” he joked.
Brown, Lil Wayne and Tyga performed hit song “Loyal.” The artist let loose and was all smiles. Audience members like Floyd Mayweather, Future and Pharrell danced and sang along.
Fans on the twitterverse couldn’t help but comment on Chris Brown’s appearance.
Usher performed and resembled Davy Crockett with an interesting fur hat. The musician sang hit songs like “Confessions,” “You Remind Me,” and the energy in the room took off when he sang “You Don’t Have to Call” and “Caught Up.”
Usher had the most crowd-pleasing performance so far. The singer played the drums and sang his new record “Good Kisser.” Although, his background dancer may or may not have received most of the attention with her white fur boots.
did what he does best and parodied “Scandal” with Kerry Washington, while presenting Video of the Year.
“I’m Oliver Pope,” said Hart. The comedian said he had a scandal of his own and was in a relationship with the president of BET and Olivia Pope’s brother.
Pharrell is still reaping the rewards for his song “Happy” and took home video of the year. The artist continued his winning streak and beat out Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and John Legend for Best Male R&B;/Pop Artist.
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Rock pulled an Ellen DeGeneres move and handed out Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles because pizza wouldn’t suffice at the BET Awards, says Rock.
Nicki Minaj took to the stage to perform her most critically acclaimed single “Pills and Potions.” Minaj went with a more natural look, but still stuck to the dramatics as she elevated out of a massive mushroom in an “Alice and Wonderland”-inspired set.
BET surprised the audience once again when Chris Brown returned to the stage to perform alongside August Alsina and Trey Songz. This collaboration seemed to have put R&B; back on the map from what fans are saying on Twitter.
Songz took over the set for his own performance of “Na Na.” Things got steamy, to say the least, with his dancers dressed in fishnets and lingerie.
Pharrell appeared back on stage to present Lionel Richie with the lifetime achievement award.
Before Richie could except his award, John Legend lent his vocals for Richie’s famous hits “Hello” and “Still.” Ledisi continued the tribute and rocked out to “Brick House” in a bright pink jacket.
“Soul is a feeling, not a color,” said Richie.
He thanked the Commodores and Barry Gordy. “Without the Commodores I would not be standing on this stage right now.”
Rock poked fun at T.I., who recently got in a physical altercation with boxer Floyd Mayweather, before he got on stage with Iggy Azalea.
Azalea did not seem to impress. The rapper was either lip-synching or rapping over a pre-recorded track that over powered her voice during her hit “Fancy.”
Young Money received the Best Group award. Nicki Minaj gracefully accept the award saying that this is family and that she was honored to be in Lil Wayne’s presence. Weezy got a little too excited and smashed the mic stand, while screaming “Young mula baby!”
Full list of winners
Best Female R&B;/Pop Artist
Beyonc (c)
Janelle Mon ¡e
Jhen (c) Aiko
K. Michelle
Rihanna
Tamar Braxton
Best Male R&B;/Pop Artist
August Alsina
Chris Brown
John Legend
Justin Timberlake
Pharrell Williams
Best Group
A$AP Mob
Daft Punk
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
TGT
Young Money
Best Collaboration
August Alsina featuring Trinidad Jame$ – “I Luv This”
Beyonc (c) featuring Jay Z – “Drunk In Love”
Drake featuring Majid Jordan – “Hold On (We’re Going Home”)
Jay Z featuring Justin Timberlake – “Holy Grail”
Robin Thicke featuring T.I. & Pharrell Williams – “Blurred Lines”
YG featuring Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan – “My Hitta”
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Drake
Future
J. Cole
Jay Z
Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Angel Haze
Charli Baltimore
Eve
Iggy Azalea
Nicki Minaj
Video of the Year
Beyonc (c) – “Partition”
Beyonc (c) featuring Jay Z – “Drunk In Love”
Chris Brown – “Fine China”
Drake – “Worst Behavior”
Pharrell Williams – “Happy”
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Chris Brown
Colin Tilley
Director X
Hype Williams
Best New Artist
Ariana Grande
August Alsina
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Mack Wilds
Rich Homie Quan
ScHoolboy Q
Best Gospel Artist
Donnie McClurkin
Erica Campbell
Hezekiah Walker
Tamela Mann
Tye Tribbett
Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Gabrielle Union
Kerry Washington
Lupita Nyong’o
Oprah Winfrey
Best Actor
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Forest Whitaker
Idris Elba
Kevin Hart
Michael B. Jordan
YoungStars Award
Gabrielle Douglas
Jacob Latimore
Jaden Smith
KeKe Palmer
Zendaya
Best Movie
“12 Years a Slave”
“The Best Man Holiday”
“Fruitvale Station”
“Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain”
“Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Brittney Griner
Lolo Jones
Serena Williams
Skylar Diggins
Venus Williams
Subway Sportsman of the Year
Blake Griffin
Carmelo Anthony
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Kevin Durant
LeBron James
Centric Award
Aloe Blacc – “The Man”
Jennifer Hudson featuring T.I. – “I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel)”
Jhen (c) Aiko – “The Worst”
LiV Warfield – “Why Do You Lie?”
Wale featuring Sam Dew – “LoveHate Thing”
Best International Act: Africa
Davido (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Mafikizolo (South Africa)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Toofan (Togo)
Best International Act: UK
Dizzee Rascal
Ghetts
Krept & Konan
Laura Mvula
Rita Ora
Tinie Tempah
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