The 15th annual BET Awards will air this Sunday, June 28th at 7pm and just like the last few years, I will not be racing to the TV to tune in.
Back when the show was but a newborn in the early 2000s, I couldn’t wait to get my snacks together and park it right in front of the television to watch my favorite performers and celebrities in their fancy clothes put on a show. However, the anticipation has definitely died down for me in recent years.
I remember when BET would choose the funniest, hottest celebs to host the awards show like when they paired Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer for the first show in 2001 and Will and Jada in 2005.
I also miss the crazy, outrageous moments like when Destiny’s Child performed lap dances on Terrence Howard, Magic Johnson, and Nelly during the performance of their hit song “Cater 2 U” and the iconic moments like when the King of Pop Michael Jackson presented the Godfather of Soul James Brown with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The two of them on stage together was simply genius and super memorable.
In spite of its recent lack of hype, I must admit the BET Awards is responsible for creating a stage for Black entertainers as the show has served as a showcase for up-n-coming artists over the years. I remember when J. Cole was a new artist in 2010, not performing on the main stage but as part of BET’s Music Matters campaign. Now he’s headlining world tours and putting out platinum albums.
I might tune in to see performances from Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, and Kendrick Lamar. Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson are hosting this year too so that should be fun. I hope this year’s show channels some of the greatness from the past and makes me want to watch future shows.
Here’s a behind the scenes look with the hosts.
-Mani B, the intern
