This year’s BET Awards were unlike any other − from presentation to just how hip-hop and R&B fans were able to view them.
The night was not live, but viewers could see it on three channels for the first time: BET, CBS and BETHer. Even with prerecorded segments and no audience, the 20th anniversary of the awards show was very well-received by many, according to social media response.
The show featured comedian Amanda Seales as host and included a night of performances from a bevy of popular acts including Chloe X Halle, DaBaby, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, and Atlanta’s own Summer Walker and Usher.
Beyoncé used her platform Sunday while accepting the BET humanitarian award to relay a direct appeal to viewers: Go vote.
“Your voices are being heard and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain,” said the superstar singer at the BET Awards, which celebrated its 20 years of highlighting excellence in Black-led entertainment. But the ceremony, filmed virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, kept much of its focus on topics such as systemic racism and equal rights.
Beyoncé was honored for her philanthropic work and relief efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. She said voting in the upcoming election was the way to end a “racist and unequal system” in America.
“I’m encouraging you to take action,” she said following an introduction by former first lady Michelle Obama.
The singer dedicated her award to the Black Lives Matter movement and encouraged activists to continue to push forward.
“We have to vote like our lives depend on it, because it does,” she said.
Below are the winners of this year’s BET Awards:
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
LIZZO
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
CHRIS BROWN
BEST GROUP
MIGOS
BEST COLLABORATION
CHRIS BROWN FT. DRAKE
“NO GUIDANCE”
»RELATED: Amanda Seales to host 20th annual BET Awards, Atlanta stars among performers
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
DABABY
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
MEGAN THEE STALLION
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
DJ KHALED FT. NIPSEY HUSSLE & JOHN LEGEND
“HIGHER”
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
TEYANA “SPIKE TEE” TAYLOR
BEST NEW ARTIST
RODDY RICCH
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
“PLEASE EXCUSE ME FOR BEING ANTISOCIAL”
RODDY RICCH
DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
KIRK FRANKLIN
“JUST FOR ME”
BEST ACTRESS
ISSA RAE
BEST ACTOR
MICHAEL B. JORDAN
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
MARSAI MARTIN
BEST MOVIE
“QUEEN & SLIM”
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
SIMONE BILES
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
LEBRON JAMES
BET HER AWARD
BEYONCÉ FT. BLUE IVY CARTER, WIZKID & SAINT JHN
“BROWN SKIN GIRL”
VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
MEGAN THEE STALLION FT. NICKI MINAJ & TY DOLLA $IGN
“HOT GIRL SUMMER”
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
BURNA BOY (NIGERIA)
VIEWERS’ CHOICE:
BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT
SHA SHA (ZIMBABWE)
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