| Comebacks dominated last night’s BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A.
Kanye West opened with his first Award show appearance since interrupting Taylor Swift at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards. T.I. performed for the first time since being released from prison last December. And El DeBarge surprised everyone with a medley of old hits and the title track from his first new album in 16 years.
But it was Chris Brown’s emotional tribute to Michael Jackson, breaking down during “Man in the Mirror,” which was the evening’s emotional highlight, as he tried to revive his career after pleading guilty to felony assault for roughing up his ex-girlfriend Rihanna during Grammy weekend in February 2009.
Eerily mimicking Jackson’s signature dance moves, with Michael’s trademarked fedora and spangled glove, he moonwalked across the stage to “Billie Jean” before trying to sing “Man in the Mirror,” falling to the stage in apparent agony, before leaving, then returning to apologize to fans.
"I let you all down before, but I won't do it again. I promise you," Brown said.
Usher was backed by a string section as he sang "There Goes My Baby." Drake, who was named Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, performed "Thank Me Later." B.o.B. was joined by Keyshia Cole, and then Eminem, on "Airplanes." Eminem continued with his new single, "Not Afraid," backed by a choir. Trey Songz, who was named best male R&B artist, crooned his hit, "Yo Side of the Bed," as a banner on stage behind him read, "Pray for our soldiers and their families."
Alicia Keys performed a medley of her hits, winning for Best Female R&B Artist and Best Collaboration for her song with Jay-Z, "Empire State of Mind."
Ludacris was surrounded by female violinists and backed by Tommy Lee on drums as he performed "My Chick Bad." Then a marching band joined him on stage, along with DJ Khaled, T-Pain, Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj, for "Hands Up." Minaj won both Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Best New Artist.
Host Queen Latifah serenaded various famous members of the audience, then returned to her rap roots, rhyming about the royalty in the house: herself and Prince, who received BET's lifetime achievement award.
The venerable entertainer was feted with an all-female musical tribute. Janelle Monae delivered an energetic take on "Let's Go Crazy." Keys started behind the piano, then climbed on top of it, when she sang "Adore," and Patti LaBelle kicked off her shoes to give her all to "Purple Rain."
Prince, who wore a tunic with his own image on it, seemed humbled by the tribute. "I'm just so thankful to be a part of this world of music," he said. "Thanks for a wonderful night. I'll never forget it as long as I live."
John Legend was presented with BET's humanitarian award for his work with the Show Me Campaign, which aims to eradicate poverty worldwide through education and health care.
Other winners included Serena Williams for Sportswoman of the Year and LeBron James for Sportsman of the year. Beyonce and Lady Gaga weren't on hand to accept their award for Video of the Year for "Video Phone," nor was Rihanna around to collect the Viewer's Choice award for her song with Young Jeezy, "Hard."
A complete list of winners: |
