The 2024 BET Awards roared into action last Sunday night, proving once again why it’s dubbed “Culture’s Biggest Night.” Hosted by the ever-glamorous Taraji P. Henson, the show at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was a vibrant celebration of Black excellence in music, film, television, and sports.
From show-stopping performances to emotional tributes, the night was one for the books. Here’s Revolve Muzic’s Top 5 Big Moments from the 2024 BET Awards.
Tyla’s Double Splash
The night’s biggest revelation came in the form of South African singer Tyla. The 22-year-old newcomer not only clinched two major awards – Best International Act and Best New Artist – but also delivered a show-stopping performance of “Jump.”
Her innovative staging, featuring dancers painted as a tiger, brought a fresh, global perspective to the proceedings, signaling a shift towards more international representation in Black entertainment.
Usher Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
A true highlight of the evening was Usher receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. His acceptance speech sparked social media conversations, and the subsequent tribute performance was a sight to behold.
Nonetheless, Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Award segment proved to be the emotional core of the evening. At 45, the R&B icon became the second-youngest recipient of this prestigious honour, following in the footsteps of Whitney Houston. The tribute performance, featuring a who’s who of R&B talent, including Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Chlöe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monet and Latto also highlighted the current dominance of women in mainstream R&B. It wasn’t just a celebration of Usher’s career but a powerful showcase of the genre’s evolving landscape, particularly highlighting the current dominance of women in R&B.
Victoria Monét’s Debut Performance
Victoria Monét, long overdue for her moment in the spotlight, finally graced the BET Awards main stage. Her highly anticipated main stage performance was a double treat. First, she delivered a nostalgic Y2K-inspired performance of her chart-topping hit “On My Mama” complete with its signature choreography, transporting viewers back to the song’s infectious energy. Then, she transitioned to a futuristic vibe for her latest single “Alright,” featuring a set inspired by the song’s music video.
The 35-year-old artist also did a double, winning the prestigious “BETHer” award for her hit single “On My Mama.” and “Video of the Year,” awards.
Will Smith Makes Music Return with a Message of Hope
The Legendary Will Smith who has faced a couple of hurdles over the last couple of years took a moment to inspire the audience with a powerful performance of his new song “You Can Make It.” Surrounded by a ring of fire and joined by gospel legend Kirk Franklin and the Sunday Service choir, Smith delivered a message of resilience and perseverance that resonated throughout the venue.
Taraji P. Henson Reiterates Cultural Unity
With her own words and a dap up from the track’s producer Mustard, host Taraji P. Henson opened the event by performing a cover of Kendrick Lamar’s smash song “Not Like Us.” She was costumed like Kendrick Lamar during his “The Pop Out” show. At the end, Taraji P. Henson, your host, exclaimed, “Y’all stop playing with me.” “That’s how you emerge.”
The four-hour spectacle featured an impressive roster of performers, from established icons like Lauryn Hill to rising stars like Ice Spice, showcasing the depth and diversity of Black musical talent.
