The Grammy winner stayed on his toes as a parade of artists carried out his hits – Childish Gambino kicked it off with “U Don’t Have to Call,” joined by Keke Palmer, who took the lead on “You Make Me Wanna…” Coco Jones appeared within the viewers for a sultry rendition of “There Goes My Baby,” serenading Usher and his spouse Jenn Goicoechea.
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Summer Walker hit the stage for “Good Good,” Tinashe did “Nice & Slow,” Marsha Ambrosius tackled “Superstar” and Chlöe carried out “Good Kisser.” Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét teamed up for “Bad Girl,” mirroring Usher and Beyoncé’s choreography from their efficiency of the music. Latto introduced the vitality for “Yeah!” In some methods, the homage underscored the ladies that carried a lot of the night time – dominating the performances.
After introductions by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, Usher accepted the award from music government L.A. Reid.
“Getting right here has undoubtedly not been simple, but it surely has been value it,” Usher started his prolonged speech, reflecting on his profession, which has spanned over three a long time. He questioned the timing, saying, “I’m nonetheless working and gunning and I nonetheless love this (expletive) like I did once I was 8 years previous,” he mentioned.
Much of his speech could not be heard to audiences at residence as a result of it was censored.
“I forgive every one who had something to say unfavorable about me as a result of it solely motivated me to be who I’m,” he mentioned at one level.
Earlier within the night time, Will Smith stood in a circle of fireplace – joined by Fridayy and the gospel choir Sunday Service – to make the reside debut of his newest single, “You Can Make It.”
“I do not know who wants this proper now,” Smith opened his set. “But I’m right here to inform you, you may make it.”
Mid-way by, Kirk Franklin joined, after which two rapped collectively. “Nobody will get a simple trip,” Smith, who’s within the midst of his comeback from slapping Chris Rock on the Oscars two years in the past, informed the room. “There is knowledge in that fireplace. Dance in your darkest moments.”
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The forthcoming presidential election was an enormous matter of dialog all through the present. After Childish Gambino offered Killer Mike with the album of the 12 months award for “Michael,” the rapper used his acceptance speech to deal with his Grammys arrest and voting.
“Technically, I used to be not purported to be right here. I used to be put in handcuffs, and I used to be marched out of this constructing. But I wish to inform you, have a look at God. ‘Cause I’m again, child. I’m again and I’m successful,” he mentioned in his speech. Killer Mike was arrested on the Grammys earlier this 12 months over a bodily altercation he mentioned was attributable to an “over-zealous” safety guard; he was not charged over the incident.
“They going to inform you who we vote for is necessary,” he continued his speech, “And it’s who we vote for on the large stage. It’s necessary, but it surely’s extra necessary you understand who your metropolis council individual is, who your prosecutor is.”
Megan Thee Stallion opened the present by rising from an egg – a metaphor for her a brand new musical rebirth – earlier than diving into with an brisk medley of her new singles “Hiss” and “Boa.”
“BET, Where my women at?” she mentioned, shouting out Monét and Jones within the crowd earlier than launching into “Where Them Girls At” – a observe that is been a direct fan favourite since Friday’s launch of her third studio album, “Megan.”
Taraji P. Henson hosted the present on the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Her opening monologue was a efficiency, Henson rapping “It’s about us,” in a free parody of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which he launched within the midst of his reignited feud with Drake.
“No beef in right here tonight,” she joked, “Can we are saying plant-based?”
Tyla, the Johannesburg , South African amapiano famous person, received two honors on the present, beginning with greatest worldwide act.
Later within the night time, she’d take residence the award for greatest new artist. “This is loopy,” she mentioned. “I simply wish to dedicate this one to Africa.”
Monét, who earlier this 12 months received the Grammy for greatest new artist, made her BET debut and set a excessive bar for performances, condensing a full set into a couple of minutes with three costume adjustments and a pair of songs, “On My Mama” and “Alright.”
Then Sexyy Red took the stage, performing her clean bed room ballad “U My Everything” earlier than shifting to a different stage and a fancy dress change – tackling “Get It Sexyy” in entrance of an LED display depicting the White House and dancers dressed just like the Secret Service.
The present took a tonal shift when VanVan and Heiress Harris, two youngster rappers, their empowerment anthem “Be You” in a lecture room set. Harris is the daughter of rapper T.I. and singer Tiny Harris.
Best feminine R&B/pop artist went to SZA and greatest actress to Regina King, each of whom weren’t in attendance; the BET HER award went to Monét for “On My Mama.” She introduced her mom as much as settle for it.
Country musician Tanner Adell introduced her “Buckle Bunny” and her new music, “Cowboy Break My Heart.” GloRilla emerged from above, descending to hitch her dancers for “Yeah Glo!” and “Wanna Be” – the latter of which noticed a shock look from Megan Thee Stallion. Shaboozey stored the nation coming with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and was joined by rapper J-Kwon, who seems on the observe, creating an surprising and rewarding collaboration throughout genres.
Lauryn Hill closed the night time, starting with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” going into “Lost Ones,” earlier than introducing her son YG Marley for his reggae tracks “Survival” and “Praise Jah In The Moonlight.” Best of all: Wyclef Jean appeared, and the trio – in entrance of a full-band – carried out Fugees’ “Fu-Gee-La.” Pras, the third member of Fugees, was not current. The rapper, who was accused in multimillion-dollar political conspiracies spanning two presidencies, was convicted in April.
