The BET Awards have continued to captivate audiences and set trends since the first show aired in 2001. From iconic speeches to powerful performances and emotional tributes, the show has now become a cultural symbol of black excellence and creativity. However, some moments are more iconic than others and have become etched in time forever. Here are 10 of the most memorable and gripping moments at the BET Awards in the last 25 years.
1. Whitney Houston’s Unforgettable Lifetime Achievement Award Acceptance Speech
@tanaslaughter Whitney Houston’s acceptance speech at the 2001 BET awards #whitneyhouston #popculture #2000s
Whitney Houston made history as the first artist to be crowned with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards. The 2001 Awards were held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. However, it was her speech that captivated the audience, as she regaled them with her iconic speech, leaving them in bursts of laughter.
Whitney Houston mastered the stage, leaving no one in doubt of her icon status. She also left them a reminder that her voice was still the powerhouse everyone had always known it to be. She was also 37 at the time, making her one of the youngest recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
2. Chris Brown’s Tearful Michael Jackson Tribute
Chris Brown’s tearful tribute to Michael Jackson in 2010 is a moment many will never forget. The singer’s vulnerability on stage was a nod to the life and legacy of the King of Pop. Michael Jackson’s work has touched millions worldwide, and Chris Brown’s performance of Man in the Mirror was a fitting one.
3. Beyoncé Makes Her Debut As A Solo Artist
@beyonce__tok 2003 BET Awards #song #fyp #fyoupage #fypシ #vocalist #dance #performance #live #trend #trending #short #BET #Awards #crazyinlove #beyonce #beyoncé
Beyoncé was the star girl of Destiny’s Child for over a decade before launching her solo career. The singer debuted her solo career at the 2003 BET Awards with a performance of her breakthrough hit, Crazy In Love. Beyoncé made a spectacular entrance on a giant ramp shaped like her name.
The Single Ladies singer showcased her stage presence and creativity at the Awards show with this performance. It is widely believed that this moment marked a key transition to her solo career and helped establish her as a talented solo artist.
4. Lauren London & Family Honor Nipsey Hussle’s Legacy
Nipsey Hussle’s girlfriend, Lauren London, and family kept his memory alive at the 2019 BET Awards. The rapper, who died in March after being shot in front of his clothing store, was honored with a posthumous humanitarian award. London and his mother, Angelique Smith, received the award on his behalf.
His grandmother, Margaret Boutte, gave a short speech about his life, thanking the world for loving him. Nipsey Hussle’s friend, T.I., also spoke about his contribution to the black community, praising him for his efforts. It was a heartfelt moment for the rapper’s friends and loved ones who missed him dearly.
5. Rick James’ Last Performance and Iconic Quote
Rick James and Teena Marie delivered an electrifying performance of their hit song Fire & Desire at the 2004 BET Awards. The rendition, which had the audience on their feet, would be Rick James’ last before his death. The singer passed just over a month later but gave the world his iconic “I’m Rick James, b**ch” quote before then.
6. Michael Jackson Honors James Brown
Seven years before his passing, Michael Jackson created a memorable moment that fans still cherish today. It was the time when Michael Jackson honored James Brown on stage at the 2003 BET Awards. It was a moment of Black excellence that felt like one legend handing over the baton to another.
For fans of the BET Awards and the duo, this moment was the most definitive in the show’s history. Michael Jackson’s act of placing his jacket around Brown’s shoulders, along with the powerful performance that followed, is unparalleled.
7. The Fugees Reunion
The Fugees’ reunion at the 2005 BET Awards was a dream come true for many. Hip Hop’s beloved trio surprised and then entertained the audience at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles with a medley of their hits, Ready or Not, Sweet Thing, and Killing Me Softly.
The Fugees hadn’t performed together on stage for almost a decade, so their outstanding performance delighted many.
8. Destiny’s Child Reunites At The BET Awards
Destiny’s Child reunited at the 2005 BET Awards, giving the audience an unforgettable experience. The trio, consisting of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams, delivered a steamy performance of Cater 2 U. Three lucky men were more entertained than others as they got to join the ladies on the stage.
9. A Tribute To Usher
Usher and Beyoncé delivered a heated performance of the R&B singer’s Bad Girl hit. However, it was in 2024 that Usher got to witness this performed to him. R&B artists, including Teyana Taylor, Keke Palmer, and Victoria Monét, put a spin on it with their creative adaptations. It was definitely a moment neither Usher nor the crowd would forget.
10. Janet Jackson’s Tribute To Michael Jackson
The memorable moments at the BET Awards wouldn’t be complete without Janet Jackson’s heartrending tribute to her brother. The singer left the audience in tears as they watched her honor Michael Jackson’s life and legacy just three months after his death.
The BET Awards continue to make a lasting impact on the entertainment scene with moments that remind us of our humanity and excellence. Several entertainers have gotten their start here, and more legends will continue to be celebrated. The show has transcended its role as an awards show to become a movement.
#Clique, what do you think about these incredible BET Awards moments? Let us know in the comments.