Last night, some of the industry’s biggest celebrities gathered at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles for the 2016 BET Awards. For the second year in a row, “Blackish” stars Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the star studded event, where they introduced an unforgettable line of performers who gave a show of a lifetime.
Beyonce opened the ceremony with an impressive performance of “Freedom”, where her dancers marched to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” and performed choreography in a shallow pool of water. Kendrick Lamar later joined Bey on stage to deliver his verse.
Desiigner finally gave America what they’ve been waiting for, a live performance of “Panda”. In the past, Desiigner has been criticized for sounding like Future, who also hit the stage to perform his song “Wicked”. Of course, everyone was sure to compare the two performances.
Throughout the night, a number of Prince tributes took place. Jennifer Hudson tore the house down with her rendition of “Purple Rain”. While Bilal put his heart and soul into his performance of “Beautiful Ones”. Janelle Monet wowed the crowd with a set of Prince songs and crafty choreography, and Sheila E closed the show with a number of Prince’s hits, including “Erotic City” and “Let’s Go Crazy”.
Other notable performances included Alicia Key’s new single “In Common”, Bryson Tiller’s “Don’t” and “Exchange”, Maxwell’s “Lake By The Ocean”, and a slamming performance of Usher’s “No Limit” featuring Young Thug.
Take a look at the full winner’s list below!
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist — Bryson Tiller
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist — Beyoncé
Best Actor — Michael B. Jordan
Best Actress — Taraji P. Henson
Best Movie — “Straight Outta Compton”
Best New Artist — Bryson Tiller
Video of the Year — Beyoncé, “Formation”
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist — Drake
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist — Nicki Minaj
Best Collaboration — Rihanna ft. Drake, “Work”
Best Group — Drake and Future
Best Gospel — Kirk Franklin
Youngsters Award — Amandla Stenberg
Centric Award — Beyoncé, “Formation”
Video Director of the Year — Director X
Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Inspirational Award — Kirk Franklin
Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award — Beyoncé, “Formation”
Sportsman of the Year — Stephen Curry
Sportswoman of the Year — Serena Williams
Best International Act Africa — Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best International Act U.K. — Skepta
Humanitarian Award — Jesse Williams
Lifetime Achievement Award — Samuel L. Jackson
