BET pushed forward with their first-ever virtual music awards last night—hosted by actress and comedian Amanda Seales—and it couldn’t have been any more timely considering all the chaos that’s occurring around the world. With the current racial climate and social unrest due to police brutality and injustice, Black Lives Matter was rightfully the frontrunner of last night’s show with trophies as an afterthought. Many artists displayed powerful visuals of black excellence in their performances, while others demanded justice for victims of police brutality such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks. Nonetheless, as the message was loud, clear, and unified, below are the most powerful moments from the 2020 BET Awards.
“Fight The Power” with Public Enemy, Chuck D, Nas, Black Thought & Rapsody
Proceeded with the powerful song “I just wanna live” by viral sensation and singer Keedron Bryant, the show kicked off with an explosive performance of “Fight The Power” with the iconic rap activist group, Public Enemy. Joined by Nas, Rapsody, Chuck D and Black Thought, the collaboration put systemic racism on center stage.
Amanda Seales’ Opening Monologue
Who better to host the BET Awards than Amanda Seales?! In addition to “Covid, and cops and Karens Gone Wild” and a bit of Terry Crews shade, the actress delivered a “collective molly whop” with a powerful monologue about racial tensions, police brutality and systemic racism. “Now, folks always say, ‘All Amanda ever does is talk about race.’ Well, listen, I would love to talk about regular, everyday things, but racism always beats me to it,” Amanda said. She honored Trayvon Martin and Botham Jean, while demanding justice for Breonna Taylor.
.@AmandaSeales brings in the 2020 ✨ #BETAwards ” pic.twitter.com/UuGLBLZut0
— #BETAwards (@BETAwards) June 29, 2020
John Legend’s “Never Break”
From his new album Bigger Love, John Legend belted one of it’s most powerful ballads, reminding the black community that despite adversity, we will “Never Break. In true music video quality, John delivered an emotional performance by playing the piano in a deserted warehouse and was later joined by a soulful choir to take the message home.
DaBaby feat. Roddy Rich “Rockstar”
Blame It On Baby rapper DaBaby opened his “Rockstar” performance with a powerful reenactment of George Floyd’s last moments while addressing over-policing in the black community and the uprising of protests. He was later joined by “Album of the Year” winner, Roddy Rich, who stood on a police car surrounded by protestors with “Black Lives Matter” and “Defund the police” signs.
Beyonce’s Humanitarian Award
Beyonce graciously accepted the BET Humanitarian Award which was presented to her by former First Lady Michelle Obama. She dedicated her award to the protestors who have been on the frontlines marching for justice. “Your voices are being heard and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain,” said Beyonce while encouraging everyone to vote “like our lives depend on it because it does.”
Jennifer Hudson’s Tribute to Aretha Franklin
In a gospel-style tribute to late icon Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson belted her 1972 cover of Nina Simone’s “Young Gifted, and Black.” Following the performance, Jennifer dropped the trailer for Respect, a biopic about the life and legendary career of the Queen of Soul. Jennifer, who was handpicked for the role by Aretha herself, will star in the film alongside Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans and more.
What was your favorite moment of the 2020 BET Awards? Below is a list of the full of the winners!
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