The 2022 BET Awards was by far the biggest night for the culture. SOHH let’s recap the greatest award show that celebrates black music.
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BET Awards Pre-Show
Before the biggest award show in Black culture kicked off, the pre-show got us all hyped for the night. TV personality Terrence J and influencer Pretty Vee hosted the red carpet while SOHH had the chance to review the hottest celebrity looks, hair, and musical moments.
BET Awards Performances
Lizzo opened the show with her hit single “About Damn Time.”
The pop star didn’t allow cancel culture to stop her shine. She was dressed in a gold two-piece with reflective disco ball-like material. The “Rumors” artist took it back with a 70s-themed performance.
The show continued with Brandy and Jack Harlow hitting the stage together.
The Grammy award-winning singer performed her recent freestyle to Jack’s “First Class”. It looks like the feud between the two has come to an end.
Newly signed TDE artist Doechii took over the stage after, performing her hit track “Persuasive.” Showing off her dance moves, the Florida artist was feeling her performance as she snatched off her 30’ inch wig, revealing her fresh cornrows as she closed out with “Crazy.”
The awards kept the performances hot as artists like Muni Long sang her viral hit, “Hours and Hours.” Chance The Rapper came through with an important message.
Joey Badass, helping out his music peers, performed their inspirational track “Highs and Lows.” Ella Mai brought out legendary singer-songwriter BabyFace to play the piano during her performance of “DFMU.” She didn’t stop there; Roddy Ricch also joined Ella on stage to perform their hit track “How.”
Upcoming American-Nigerian Ogi took the BET Amplified stage, and Chloe Bailey gave an unapologetically sexy performance of “Surprise.”
Latto brought boss energy to the BET Awards with one of the night’s best performances. Stepping on stage with a long fur coat and a Cuban cigar before dropping the opening bars to “It’s Giving”; she’s the one calling the shots. The southern belle performed “Big Energy” to close the explosive performance. She also surprised fans by bringing out Mariah Carey. Latto gave MC the flowers she deserved, ending with confetti falling from the ceiling.
Giveon closed out the BET Awards with new music. Though he had some technical difficulties, the “Heartbreak Anniversary” kept the show going.
BET Award Winners
Janelle Monae was the first presenter of the night.
Before giving out the award for Best Female R&B/, Janelle, like artists who took time to speak out about Roe Vs. Wade, overturned.
“Celebrating us. Happy Black music month, happy pride month. I want to give a special shoutout to Black women, to black queer artist, to black non-binary artist, these artist are creating art on our own terms, owning our truths and expressing ourselves freely and unapologetically in a world that tried to control and police our bodies, my bodies and our deections, my decides.”
Janelle added, “F*ck you Supreme court, we must celebrate our art by protecting our rights and our truths.”
Winning the award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Jazmine Sullivan didn’t give the typical acceptance speech. The “Pick Up Your Feelings” artist also took time to use her voice to “speak directly to the men standing up with us and standing up for us” regarding the overturned Roe v. Wade.
Latto gave an emotional acceptance speech, winning her first award “and first award by Black Entertainment Television” for Best New Artist.
As the show went on, Black excellence was made tonight as Wizkid and Tems represented the motherland as they took home the Best Collaboration award for their hit track “Essence” featuring Justin Beiber. Wiz was not in attendance to accept the award, but Tems accepted and said, “This award is for Nigeria.” where the two artists are from.
Best Gospel/Inspirational Award went to Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby for their fire gospel song “We Win.” Kirk accepted the award but gave it to the next generation of gospel music. He “passed the baton” to Maverick City Music. A young, creative gospel group holding it down for the next generation of gospel music.
Taking Home The BIG Wins
“No matter how you work, this is an unexpected gift and blessing,” Mary J Blige said as she took home the HER Award for her feel-good song, “Good Morning Gorgeous.”
Furthermore, Best International Act, a new category in the award show, was won by Nigerian artist Tems taking home two awards for the night.
Young actress Marsai Martin took home the YoungStar Award and, though not in attendance, Zendaya took home the Best Actress award. R&B duo Silk Sonic closed out the BET award show by winning the Album of the Year award.
Diddy Honored With The Lifetime Achievement Award
Before music mogul Diddy was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, artists like Jodeci, Mary J Blidge, Shyne, Jada Kiss, Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes, and Bryson Tiller took the stage to pay homage to the music legend. With an iconic performance of songs like “Bad Boyz,” “Come and Talk to Me,” “All About the Benjamins,” and “Pass the Courvoisier,” to name a few.
Diddy spat a few bars and gave a heartfelt tribute to his late wife Kim Porter as he gave an emotional performance to the legendary track “I’ll Be Missing You.” He also brought Faith Evans and the gospel group Maverick City Music to close the performance.
Presented the award by Baby Face, Kanye West also made an appearance to share his experiences with Diddy. Diddy thanked his mom, fans, music executive Andre Harrell, Biggie, and his late wife Kim Porter.
Even though Diddy was given the Lifetime Achievement Award, he’s just getting started with new achievements after partnering with Motown for a newfound R&B label, Love Records.