Will Smith took the stage at the BET Awards on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Will Smith made a blazing entrance at the 2024 BET Awards, surrounded by fire and backed by Fridayy and the Sunday Service gospel choir as he performed his new song "You Can Make It" live for the first time. His powerful message of resilience and hope resonated as he declared, "I don’t know who needs this right now, but I am here to tell you, you can make it."
Joined onstage by Kirk Franklin midway through, the duo delivered a dynamic performance. Smith, amidst his comeback from the infamous Oscars incident two years ago, shared a message of perseverance, saying, "Nobody gets an easy ride. There is wisdom in that fire. Dance in your darkest moments."
Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion kicked off the show in dramatic fashion, emerging from an egg symbolizing her musical rebirth. She launched into an energetic medley featuring her new singles "Hiss" and "Boa," captivating the audience with her vibrant performance. Shouting out to fellow artists Victoria Monét and Coco Jones, she performed "Where Them Girls At," a fan favorite from her latest album, "Megan."
The star-studded event, hosted by Taraji P. Henson at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, began with Henson’s lively opening monologue, where she humorously rapped, "It's about us," in a nod to Kendrick Lamar's hit "Not Like Us." She quipped about the absence of beef that night, joking, "Can we say plant-based?"
The evening featured accolades such as the Best International Act, presented to Johannesburg's amapiano superstar Tyla by actor Colman Domingo. Monét, fresh from her Grammy win for Best New Artist, debuted at BET with "On My Mama," followed by a seamless transition to her latest single "Alright." Her performance included multiple costume changes and innovative stage setups, setting a high standard for the evening.
Usher, honored with the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist award and set to receive a lifetime achievement honor later that night, expressed gratitude for still being part of the music industry’s evolution. Known for his hits like "Yeah!" and "Burn," Usher reflected on his journey, acknowledging the fathers in the room and celebrating his ongoing success.
The BET Awards showcased a diverse lineup of performances, including rising talents like Sexyy Red and child rappers VanVan and Heiress Harris, who delivered an empowerment anthem, "Be You." With stars like Lauryn Hill, Childish Gambino, and Ice Spice gracing the stage, the event celebrated music's vibrant spectrum.
Drake led the nominations with his album "For All the Dogs," while Nicki Minaj followed closely with six nods, including Album of the Year for "Pink Friday 2." Artists like J. Cole, SZA, and Victoria Monét also received multiple nominations, highlighting their impact on contemporary music.
Usher's stellar career, marked by Grammy wins and record-breaking albums like "Confessions," was celebrated at the awards. His recent achievements, including a successful Las Vegas residency and a forthcoming U.S. tour, underscored his enduring influence in the music industry.
The 2024 BET Awards not only honored musical excellence but also celebrated the diversity and innovation shaping today's music landscape. From memorable performances to heartfelt speeches, the event highlighted the transformative power of music and its ability to inspire and unite audiences worldwide.
