The 2019 BET Awards was simulcasted live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles across seven Viacom networks.
Hosted by the multi-talented Insecure star Regina Hall, the broadcast opened with a killer performance by Cardi B Offset of her hits Press and Clout. Cardi B led the 2019 BET Awards nominations with seven.
Regina’s introduction to the program began with a behind the scenes video of Regina auditioning dancers and drummers. She was looking for music that represented the Washington D.C. area. She pretends to be displeased with the dancers but ends up breaking out into a huge performance of E. U.’s Da Butt with a full stage of performers including Taraji P. Henson.
Best New Artist was the first category and the 2019 BET Award went to Lil Baby. He thanked his family and friends, “For rocking with me.”
The Young Stars Award was next, and the 2019 BET trophy went to black-ish actress, Marsai Martin. Her face was priceless with a look of shock as she took the stage. “Wow, thank you so much. Thank you, BET. Thank you, God, of course.”
50 Cent made a cell phone appearance and told Regina he was going to, “Need his money today,” and told Regina to wire him money. Regina’s response was, “How did 50 get in the feed.” She then introduced Fantasia’s performance of Enough. Fantasia had the audience screaming.
Lucky Daye was next to bring his swag to the stage. He sang Love You Too Much.
Album of the Year was the next category. The 2019 BET Award went to Cardi B for Invasion of Privacy. Cardi thanked everyone and said, “You know as a female artist sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough, and sometimes I think I’m doing too much.” And ended her acceptance speech with, “I’m glad I made an album that your sister, your mother, and your grandmother like.”
Lizzo rocked it next. She stood on top of a wedding cake in a wedding dress with two rows of dancers beneath her. She danced, twerked and played the flute to her hit Truth Hurts.
The Reverend Al Sharpton presented the nominees for the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel and Inspirational Award. The 2019 BET Award went to Snoop Dogg and Rance Allen for Blessing Me Again. Snoop couldn’t be there, so the Reverend accepted the trophy for him.
Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus performed their mega country hit Old Town Road. The audience danced and sang along with them from beginning to end.
Power stars La La Anthony and Larenz Tate presented the nominees for Best Movie. The 2019 BET Award went to Blackkklansman. They accepted the award for Spike Lee.
Lil Baby and City Girls teamed up for the next performance. City Girls performed Act Up. Lil Baby performed Close Friends and Pure Cocaine.
The next presenters where The Exonerated Five, Antron McCray, Korey Wise, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, and Yusef Salaam. The men who were falsely convicted of murder as teenagers and known as The Central Park Five. The men spoke about their story and introduced HER. She performed Lord Is Coming
Lena Waithe, Melina Matsoukas, and Jodie Turner-Smith spoke about the poignant film Queen & Slim and showed the first look clip starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith.
Best Actress was the next category. The 2019 BET Award went to Regina King. Regina Hall was also nominated in the category and when she lost the award she pretended to leave the show and quit hosting. Cute.
The Migos followed Regina’s loss of the Best Actress Award. They and performed Pure Water.
Regina did return looking a bit disheveled and thanked Regina King “See you shining doing big things.” She mentioned she didn’t show, “I’m here though.” She then introduced Rhianna.
Rhianna asked the audience, “What’s the 411?” She came to honor Mary J. Blige. “On behalf of all the women, thank you for being you so we can be comfortable being ourselves.”
Grammy Award-winning singer and Oscar-nominated actress Mary J. Blige received the 2019 BET Lifetime Achievement Award.
After her career highlights video, Rhianna told the audience to get on their feet for Mary. “Thank you so much, Rhianna. You don’t know how much I love and respect you.” “Praise God because without prayer I would not be here.”
She thanked the BET family for supporting her and she thanked her mother in the audience. “And thank you so much, mommy, for love and special cooking.” She also said she was grateful that her relationship with her father is healed. “Thank you for believing in me more than I believe in myself.”
In the end, she thanked her fans, left the stage and returned to perform pieces of her hits My Life, Just Fine, No More Drama, and I’m Goin’ Down. Biggie’s voice came in when she performed Real Love.
Mary also performed You Remind Me, Be Happy, and Love No Limit.
Lil’ Kim joined Mary for I Can Love You. Method Man joined her for You’re All I Need.
She closed her performance set out with Just Fine. Mary J. Blige should have dropped the mike
The next award was Best International Act. The 2019 BET Award went to Burna Boy from Nigeria. His mother came to the stage to accept the award because he had left the room at the time. “Every Black person should please remember that you were African before you became anything else.” The audience roared.
Regina then introduced DJ Khaled and Meek Mill, J Balvin, Lil Baby and Jeremih who performed You Stay
Viewer’s Choice Award went to Ella Mai for Trip. She said she didn’t have anything planned because she didn’t expect to win. “Thank you, I’m just a little girl from London.” And she ended her speech with, “This is proof that you let the music do the talking.”
Taraji P. Henson was the next. She presented the 2019 BET Ultimate Icon Award to Tyler Perry. Tarija saluted Tyler as the first to pay her what she was worth, and she thanked him for that.
Tyler Perry’s long list of accomplishments as a multi-faceted actor, screenwriter, playwright, producer, and director, with his own studio has more than earned him the title Ultimate Icon Award.
Taraji called Tyler her dear, dear friend. “From my heart, I want to say thank you.” He told the audience to sit down as he continued his speech. He mentioned many hardships in his life and how they shaped him. He made it clear that he wanted to be able to hire people, “I was helping somebody cross.”
“While you’re fighting for a seat at the table, I’m going to build my own studio.” His speech had the audience going wild. Tyler thanked BET as he left the stage
Ledé performed EX.
Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, Jonathan McReynolds, and Kelly Price came together to perform Love Theory.
Morris Chestnut and Damson Idris remembered John Singleton. Morris spoke of John’s film masterpiece Boyz n the Hood and said how he appreciated the opportunity John gave him. Damson spoke of Snowfall, the television masterpiece created before John passed. Damson said appreciated John’s mark and geniuses in the industry.
T.I. remembered Nipsey Hussle and how many people are just realizing what a legend he really was. His music, his work in the community, and his legacy have touched many, many lives. His grandmother spoke eloquently in his honor and his family took home the trophy. His mother spoke of his murder, the crime scene, and spirit and how our spirits live on. Her grief was still raw and caused her to ramble a bit before ending with, “Thank you for your prayers and love.”
Marsha Ambrose sang Real Big from Nipsey Hussle’s album. John Legend and DJ Khalid continued and performed Higher with a full choir.
Regina was a great host and brought out Johnny Gill to close the 2019 BET Awards with a masterful performance Before I Let Go.
Congratulations to all the night’s winners!
Tanya Hart
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