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MEGAN THEE STALLION, CARDI B, H.E.R., JAZMINE SULLIVAN, SILK SONIC, LIL BABY, CHADWICK BOSEMAN, ANDRA DAY, AND "JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH" TAKE TOP HONORS AT THE “BET AWARDS” 2021
LEGENDARY RAPPER DMX REMEMBERED WITH TRIBUTE PERFORMANCES BY BUSTA RHYMES, GRISELDA, MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS, METHOD MAN, SWIZZ BEATZ, LIL BUCK AND JON, THE LOX AND MORE
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QUEEN LATIFAH HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT BET AWARD WITH PERFORMANCES BY LIL KIM, RAPSODY, MONIE LOVE AND MC LYTE
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ANDRA DAY, SILK SONIC, CARDI B, CITY GIRLS, DABABY, DJ KHALED, H.E.R., JAZMINE SULLIVAN, KIRK FRANKLIN, LIL BABY, LIL DURK, LIL NAS X, MEGAN THEE STALLION, MIGOS, MONEYBAGG YO, RAPSODY, RODDY RICCH, TYLER THE CREATOR AND MORE DELIVERED EXPLOSIVE, NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN PERFORMANCES
#BETAWARDS
Los Angeles, CA (June 27, 2021) – Tonight, BET honored an incredible and inspiring lineup of artists, entertainers and cultural icons across more than 20 categories at The “BET AWARDS” 2021. The iconic show, hosted by Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe®-winning actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson, aired live at 8 pm ET/PT on BET on Sunday, June 27, 2021 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.
“The BET AWARDS have yet again proven to be culture’s biggest night,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “From the amazing talent, extraordinary creativity, and performances, and our incredible live vaccinated audience, the energy of the night was unmatched and delivered some of the most buzzworthy moments of 2021! Throughout any circumstance, whether it be virtual, live, or whatever comes next, BET will continue to elevate the standard of awards shows.”
The “BET AWARDS,” which has become synonymous with powerful Black artistry and social commentary, continues to spotlight and celebrate the artists and creators of tomorrow, making the ceremony one of the most news-provoking and talked-about broadcasts year after year.
This year’s awards were proclaimed as the “Year of the Black Woman” to celebrate and honor their immense impact on the culture. The ceremony was an unforgettable celebration of Black culture, love, joy, and pride.
The “BET AWARDS” 2021 Images
Red Carpet Arrivals
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Show
https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/bet-awards-2021-show
Backstage
https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/bet-awards-2021-backstage
Additional photos/assets available via the BET press room
https://www.betpressroom.com/program/bet-awards-2021/images/
Photo credit for all images: BET
The “BET AWARDS” 2021 Clips
https://app.shift.io/spotlight/af377912-ed8e-4e4d-8f41-1470b487c876
*Broadcast restrictions further below.
The “BET AWARDS” 2021 Show Highlights Include:
Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby opened the show with a spirited performance of their hit song, “We Win” from the Space Jam: A New Legacy Official Soundtrack.
Migos set the stage on fire with their performances of “Straightenin,” and “Type Shit” with Cardi B who gave the audience a mic-drop worthy performance and exclusive pregnancy reveal.
H.E.R. soared with an electrifying rendition of her triumphant anthem, “We Made It,” which began with her drumming while suspended in mid-air and was followed by an unforgettable guitar solo.
Moneybagg Yo took to the stage for lively performances of “Wockesha” and “Time Today.”
DaBaby took the stage with a phenomenal performance of “Ball If I Want To” featuring theatrics including dancers, acrobats, and more.
Darnella Frazier was honored with the Shine a Light award for courageously capturing video of the murder of George Floyd, sparking further awareness of systemic racial inequalities, police brutality and efforts for meaningful change. The Shine A Light Award recognizes exceptional resilience, ingenuity and creativity in the face of adversity.
Megan Thee Stallion delivered a show-stopping performance of her latest hit single, “Thot Sh*t.”
Tyler, the Creator created a literal hurricane on stage during “Lumberjack,” his first-ever BET Awards performance.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters introduced Jazmine Sullivan, as she performed soulful renditions of new singles, “Tragic” and “On It,” from Heaux Tales, which won Album of the Year.
Roddy Ricch performed a swagged out rendition of his newest single, “Late At Night.”
Lil Nas X paid homage to the “Remember the Time” era with an erotic performance of "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)," performing against an opulent gold Egyptian-themed backdrop, and unapologetically celebrating queer culture.
Bruno Mars and Silk Sonic seronated their way through a fully vaccinated audience with style as they sang a medley from their new album An Evening with Silk Sonic.
City Girls performed “Twerkulator” against a spectacular backdrop.
Queen Latifah was honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement BET Award, in recognition of her prolific career over the past 30 years, in which she remained one of the most versatile creatives of the time. Following an inspirational tribute from Rapsody & Monie Love, performing “Ladies First,” and Lil Kim & MC Lyte, performing “U.N.I.T.Y.,” she received a standing ovation as she accepted the well-deserved award.
DJ Khaled lit up the stage with a jam-packed performance of his new songs, ”Every Chance I Get” and “I Did It,” with an all-star line-up including Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Megan Thee Stallion, H.E.R. and DaBaby.
Andra Day’s performance of “Strange Fruit” and “Tigress & Tweed” was spellbinding.
The legendary DMX was remembered with a mesmerizing tribute curated by Swizz Beatz featuring performances from Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Swizz Beatz, Griselda, Lil Buck and Jon, The Lox and a special appearance by Michael K. Williams. The powerful tribute included iconic hits such as “Slipping,” “Where the Hood At?,” “Party Up,” “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” and more.
Tone Stith and Mereba made their debuts on the BET amplified stage.
Host Taraji P. Henson kept audiences entertained throughout the show debuting new alter-egos, including new artist S.H.E.
In addition to all of these must-see moments, the complete list of winners for The “BET AWARDS” 2021 can be found below:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Heaux Tales – Jazmine Sullivan
BEST COLLABORATION
Cardi B Feat. Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
H.E.R.
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
Chris Brown
BEST NEW ARTIST
Giveon
BEST GROUP
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
VIEWER’S CHOICE: BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT
Bree Runway (UK)
VIEWER’S CHOICE
Megan Thee Stallion Ft. Beyoncé “Savage Remix”
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Megan Thee Stallion
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Lil Baby
DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
Kirk Franklin - “Strong God”
BET HER AWARD
SZA – “Good Days”
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Cardi B Feat. Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Bruno Mars and Florent Déchard
BEST MOVIE
Judas and the Black Messiah
BEST ACTRESS
Andra Day
BEST ACTOR
Chadwick Boseman
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
Marsai Martin
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Naomi Osaka
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
LeBron James
For the latest The “BET AWARDS” 2021 news and updates, please visit BET.com/BETAwards. BET Digital is the ultimate destination for BET Awards content. From the red carpet livestream Powered by Bulldog DM to non-stop video moments and conversation @BETAwards.
Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET will oversee The “BET Awards” 2021 and serve as Executive Producer along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.
Internationally, the show simulcast on BET Africa at 2 am CAT and MTV Brazil at 9 pm BRT on June 27th, followed by international broadcasts on MTV UK on June 28th at 9 pm BST, BET France on June 29th at 8:45 pm CEST. The show will also be available to watch on My5 and Sky On-Demand in the UK beginning June 29th.
BROADCAST RESTRICTIONS
News programs and services may excerpt portions of the 2021 BET Awards telecast during the seven days following the broadcast premiere on June 27, 2021 solely for reporting about the 2021 BET Awards as an event and subject to the following conditions.
Broadcast Restrictions:
- Up to three minutes in total, but no more than thirty seconds of any single moment or performance, may be used within the period ending the first day following the telecast.
- Up to one minute in total, not separate from the three minutes referenced above and no more than thirty seconds of any single moment or performance may be used within the period of the second through seventh days following the telecast.
- Any display, exhibition or performance of the material must be accompanied by the chyron, “Courtesy of BET”.
Online Restrictions:
- Otherwise, up to thirty seconds of any single moment or performance may be used as part of a wrap-up package through the seventh day following the telecast (For purposes of clarification you may NOT use portions of the 2021 BET Awards as standalone video assets).
- Any display, exhibition or performance of the material must be accompanied by the chyron, “Courtesy of BET”, and a link to www.bet.com
ABOUT BET:
BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African American audience. The primary BET channel is in 125 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET+, the preeminent streaming service for the Black audience; BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.
ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
The “BET Awards” is one of the most-watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.
ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT
Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service television and film production company and has played an integral role in producing many of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. JCE has a multi-year overall agreement with ViacomCBS Cable Networks. On the theatrical film side, the company also has a first look on JCE’s film development projects which could include Viacom’s film entities such as Paramount Players. The award-winning and critically acclaimed television that JCE has produced includes miniseries—The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story; scripted series—American Soul and Real Husbands of Hollywood; children’s series—Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices; award shows—BET Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF’s An Evening of Stars, BET Hip Hop Awards, ABFF Honors and Soul Train Awards; specials—John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today, Stand Up for Heroes, Dear Mama, Amanda Seales I Be Knowin’, Def Comedy Jam 25 and Leslie Jones: Time Machine; as well as competition/game shows—Sunday Best, Hip Hop Squares, Nashville Squares and Rhythm & Flow. Jesse Collins, founder and CEO of the company, is the executive producer of all programming. He is also a co-executive producer for the iconic Grammy Awards. Most recently, he was executive producer of The 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show and produced The 2021 Academy Awards. Go to jessecollinsent.com for more information on the company.
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