When Taraji P. Henson approached the stage as the show’s host on Sunday, she began by sharing an encouraging message about “Black achievement” before moving on to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse the landmark Roe v. Wade verdict from the previous week.
A number of notable celebrities, including Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, and Jazmine Sullivan, took to the stage at the BET Awards to voice their vehement opposition to the recent decision by the Supreme Court to remove women’s constitutional protection for abortion.
When Henson approached the stage as the show’s host on Sunday, she began by sharing an encouraging message about “Black achievement” before moving on to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse the landmark Roe v. Wade verdict from the previous week. After opening the event with a flute solo while wearing a dazzling gold dress and playing her single “About Damn Time,” the actor then joined the stage to perform one of his own songs.
It’s about time we had a conversation about the reality that those who own weapons have greater rights than women. It’s a sad day in the United States of America,” Henson stated as he thanked Lizzo and Live Nation for their recent donation of one million dollars to Planned Parenthood from the earnings of her tour. A statement that goes something like this: “A weapon that can kill lives has greater power than a woman who can give life – if she chooses to.”
Before she announced the candidates for best female R&B/pop artist, Janelle Monae glared at the Supreme Court while pointing her middle finger in its direction. At the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, her address was met with enthusiastic ovation from the audience.
“These artists are making art on our own terms, owning our truths, and expressing ourselves freely and unapologetically in a world that tries to control and police our bodies, my body and our decisions, my body,” said the singer, who also paid tribute to the LGBTQ+ community. “These artists are making art on our own terms, owning our truths, and expressing ourselves freely and unapologetically in a world that tries to control and police our bodies, my body and our “(explicit) you Supreme Court. I am aware that we are now celebrating ourselves as appropriately as we should. We have every right to rejoice, and right now is the time for us to celebrate our work by defending our legal standing and the integrity of our beliefs.
After that, Monae presented Sullivan as the winner of the category, at which point Sullivan delivered a speech in which she urged males to support women.
Sullivan remarked that “this is a difficult time for us.” “I want to address the males head on by saying this: we need all of you. We need all of you to stand up, both for us and with us, so please do it now. You need to be standing if you have ever benefited from a woman making one of the toughest decisions of her life, which is to terminate a pregnancy. This is one of the toughest decisions a woman will ever have to make in her life. This is not an issue that only affects women. This is a problem that affects everyone. We are in dire need of your assistance now more than ever.”
After she was awarded the prize for best new artist, Latto delivered an emotional acceptance speech.
The rapper, who subsequently collaborated with Mariah Carey to sing their chart-topping hit “Big Energy,” described the act as “offering pro-choice.” “I will never give a guy the authority to police my body,” she said.
The prize for best international act that Tems received was dedicated by her to all of the women who “dare to dream.”
“Where I’m from, things like this don’t happen,” said the singer who was born in Lagos, Nigeria and received the award for best collaboration with Justin Bieber and Wizkid for their song “Essence.” “Essence” was performed by all three artists. “You must be dreaming. If you are watching me, I want you to see yourself in my shoes because you are supposed to be here just as much as I am.
Doja Cat was the most nominated artist going into the programme, with a total of six. The singer who is currently at the top of the charts is nominated for best female R&B-pop artist, best female hip-hop artist, album of the year for her number one song “Planet Her,” and BET Her for her performance of “Woman.” Her work with SZA on the song “Kiss Me More” has earned nominations for video of the year and best collaboration.
One of the top distinctions that will be given out at the presentation is the Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be given to Sean “Diddy” Combs. The music mogul is the founder of Bad Boy Records, as well as the owner of his own television network and fashion line. He is also the recipient of three Grammy awards, and he has collaborated with a large number of prominent musicians, such as Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and 112.
Both Drake and Ari Lennox received four nominations, making them the second most nominated artists overall. Others that were considered for the award include Baby Keem, Silk Sonic, Chloe Bailey, Future, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, Ye (previously known as Kanye West), Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby, Mary J. Blige, and Tems. Each of these artists received three nominations.
Before Brandy joined him onstage for his popular performance of “First Class,” Jack Harlow and Lil Wayne collaborated on a performance of “Poison.” The camera went to her brother, Ray J, who was spotted dancing in the audience as Harlow and Brandy were performing.
Joey Bada$$ and Chance the Rapper collaborated on a performance of “The Highs & the Lows.” Muni Long kicked up her performance wearing a pink gown and played a clip of “Time Machine” before going into her song “Hrs & Hrs.”
The winners in each of the 19 categories, which include honours for movies and sports, are chosen by the BET Voting Academy, which is made up of both professionals in the entertainment industry and fans.