Cyrus Langhorne
Grammy-winning rapper Pharrell Williams, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and more mega celebrities helped make Sunday (June 29) night's annual BET Awards ceremony one for the books. #BETAwards
Pharrell and show host Chris Rock helped spark the annual awards show festivities.
Pharrell kicked off the BET Awards on Sunday with a playful performance featuring the reclusive Missy Elliott and host Chris Rock was successful with back-to-back jokes, helping take attention away from a fatal shooting and a separate stabbing at unsanctioned parties celebrating the ceremony. (TIME)
Musicians Lil Wayne, Chris Brown and Usher all kept the show going with high-energy performances.
Lil Wayne started his performance with a live debut of his new “Tha Carter V” single, “Krazy.” John Legend stayed put behind his piano, as he introduced Jhene Aiko to the stage to perform “The Worst.” For the first time since released from jail (after a four month stint), Chris Brown performed his hit, “Loyal,” alongside Lil Wayne and Tyga. Minutes after closing his set with Travis Barker behind the drums, Breezy dropped his new single, “New Flame,” featuring Usher and Rick Ross. (Billboard)
While Pharrell walked away with two awards, various well-known artists came up big including singer August Alsina.
Beyonce was named best female R&B/pop singer, and closed the show with a sultry performance of “Partition” with husband Jay Z. The couple also won best collaboration for “Drunk In Love.” New Orleans singer Alsina was named best new artist and Lil Wayne’s rap collective Young Money scored best group. Drake won best male hip hop artist, but was not available to collect his award. Minaj was named best female hip hop artist. (Chicago Tribune)
Overnight Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o also went home with an award.
Best New Artist: August Alsina Best Gospel Artist: Tamela Mann Best Actress: Lupita Nyong’o Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Drake Video of the Year: Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” Best Male Pop Artist: Pharrell Williams Best Group: Young Money Viewers Choice Award: August Alsina Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj (2014 BET Awards)
Check out some of the performance footage:
