Tyla was the first winner named at the 2024 BET Awards held Sunday at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles in the Best International Artist category.
“This is so hard, guys,” the 22-year-old “Water” singer said as she accepted the honors. “Guys, I didn’t prepare anything, but I just want to say thank you so much to my tigers, to my family, to my team.”
The South African-born singerwho wore a black Versace gown and $230,000 worth of Jared Atelier jewelry to Sunday’s show, concluded by saying she would “be performing soon.”
Usher was named Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, beating other nominees Brent Faiyaz, Bryson Tiller, Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Drake, Fridayy and October London.
Usher, 45, said in his acceptance speech that he was “really happy to be able to be in this category.”
Tyla was the first winner named at the 2024 BET Awards held Sunday at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles in the Best International Artist category.
The South African-born singer said she will be performing soon
“Obviously tonight is a celebration that a lot of things will be able to be recognized by this lifetime achievement award coming up,” Usher said. “I’m very happy to still be part of the fight, you know what I’m saying.”
In his speech, Usher, a father of four, used his platform to emphasize the importance of fatherhood.
“To the parents tonight at home or in this hearing, I would like you to stand up,” Usher said. “Too often we get to this moment where we can say to our mothers, ‘Look, Mom, I made it.’ We don’t get the chance to say enough, ‘Dad, I made it.'”
‘So this one is for all the men who are general for their children and a motivation for our future black leaders, the youth. Thank you all very much for this honor.”
Killer Mike, 49, pulled off a surprise by capturing Album of the Year for his record. Michael beat out other nominees including Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2, Drake’s For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition), Usher’s Coming Home and Chris Brown’s 11:11.
“I feel moved saying this right now,” the Atlanta native said in his speech. “A lot of people will say, ‘Who was he? Who is he? Did he get it?’ I am a representation of one of the best things God has ever made and that is half of the black family.
‘Black men and women, I got you. If you’re young, if you’re old, if you like me, if you don’t like me, I’m absolutely you. And this victory is absolutely ours!’
The theme of this year’s awards show was Standing on Culture, with Taraji P. Henson returning as host and Grammy-winning singer Usher honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Usher, 45, was named Top R&B/Pop Male Artist, beating out other nominees Brent Faiyaz, Bryson Tiller, Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Drake, Fridayy and October London.
Usher said in his acceptance speech that he was “really happy to be able to be in this category.”
Grammy-winning singer Usher to be honored with lifetime achievement award
Drake led all artists in nominations with seven, including Album of the Year, Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Best Male Hip Hop Artist.
Nicki Minaj received six nominations, including Album of the Year for her release Pink Friday 2, while Beyoncé was nominated for five honors, including best female R&B/pop artist, as well as two songs from Cowboy Carter: Texas Hold ‘Em and 16 Carriages.
J. Cole, Sexyy Red, SZA and Victoria Monét also have five nominations each.
Beyonce and Jay-Z’s eldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, 11, is also nominated for the Youngstars award.
The event will also feature performances by Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice, Sexyy Red, Latto, Lauryn Hill & YG Marley, Tyla, GloRilla, Muni Long, Shaboozey and Victoria Monét.
Additionally, appearances are expected from Cardi B, Davido, Gunna, The Roots, Common, Queen Latifah and Jungle Brothers.
Will Smith, 55, premiered a new original song titled You Can Make It at the awards show.
“From his beginnings as a rapper on The Fresh Prince to box office kingship as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage.” , Connie Orlando, BET’s executive vice president of specials, music programming and music strategy, said in a statement before the ceremony.
Leading the 2024 BET Awards nominations, Drake has received seven nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.
Nicki Minaj has earned six nominations, including album of the year for her release Pink Friday 2.
Will Smith is set to debut new music in his first major solo performance since Sunday’s infamous Oscar slap; (photo: June)
“We look forward to Will contributing to another defining night for culture that should not be missed.”
At last year’s ceremony, Latto was named Best Female Hip Hop Artist, while rap icon Busta Rhymes also received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyoncé’s Break My Soul was named the winner of the BET Her Award and also won the Viewer’s Choice Award for Break My Soul.
