BET AWARDS 2022 WINNERS, PERFORMANCES, HIGHLIGHTS, MORE!
This year’s BET Awards took place in Los Angeles, California this past Sunday. It was a four-hour celebration of Black culture with a jam-packed line up including performances from Latto, Jack Harlow, and surprise guests Mariah Carey and Brandy. The night winded down with a wonderful tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award winner Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Taraji held down the night as the host for the second year in a row. The show opened up with Lizzo singing her chart-topping song “About Damn Time.” Jazmine Sullivan took home the first award of the night, winning Best Female R&B/Pop Artists.
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, many women spoke out in support of women’s rights. Singer-songwriter Janelle Monae stood in solidarity with women who are “making art on our own terms, owning our truths and expressing ourselves freely and unapologetically in a world that tries to control and police our bodies, my body, and our decisions, my decisions.”
BET took us to church when Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby won Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for “We Win.” In his speech, Franklin spoke about the next generation, “My job is not only to serve you, but to serve the next generation.” Joined by a choir and live instruments, Kirk Franklin and gospel collective Maverick City Music took over the stage with a heartfelt performance. The performance started with “Kingdom” from Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin’s latest album Kingdom book one. Although, it wouldn’t be a show without Kirk Franklin performing his 1995 hit “Melodies From Heaven.”
In addition to the star-studded lineup, Sean “Diddy” Combs was honored with the 2022 lifetime achievement award highlighting his music and business career. Diddy took the stage where we saw appearances from Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Nas, Faith Evans, and even hip-hop mogul turned politician Shyne.
This year was by far the best BET Award Show in a decade. BET continued their show with a beautiful tribute to fallen stars, including Young Dolph, Trouble, Betty Davis, Max Julien, Dwayne Haskins, Biz Markie, DJ Kay Slay, Virgil Abloh, Sidney Potier, and so many more.
