The 21st annual BET awards, which honour black excellence in entertainment and sports, returned on Sunday night and left many memories in its wake.
The awards event, which took place at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, was graced by top celebrities and bigwigs in the global showbiz industry.
TheCable Lifestyle examines key moments that headlined the much-coveted awards.
Burna Boy’s winning streak and Tems’ loss
Burna Boy continued his winning streak at the annual awards on the night as he snagged the ‘Best New International Act’ for the third time in a row.
The African Giant, @burnaboy stands Twice as Tall as he bags "Best International Act" at the #BETAwards 2021.
Congratulations, @burnaboy!#CulturesBiggestNight
Advertisement🎥: @BET pic.twitter.com/PFAjRT885p
— TheCable Lifestyle (@CableLifestyle) June 28, 2021
The ‘African Giant’ crooner snagged the prize after beating Wizkid, his colleague, while Tems lost her first-ever shot at the award to Bree Runway, the English singer and songwriter, who won the ‘Best International New Act’ gong.
Cardi B announces second pregnancy
Cardi B was among the the biggest winners on the night alongside Megan Thee Stallion.
But the US rapper stunned the audience at the award after she announced her pregnancy during a live performance.
The rapper showed off her baby bump while performing alongside Offset, her husband, and the group Migos.
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Cardi B joined the trio on the stage wearing a black, glittery bodysuit, which featured a sheer panel that exposed her belly.
Lil Nas X kisses male dancer
Lil Nas X also dazzled the audience on the night with an energetic performance of ‘Montero (Call Me by Your Name)’, his hit song.
The American singer and rapper brought members of the audience to their feet as he wrapped a special rendition of the song by locking lips with one of his male dancers.
do you know how ICONIC this is…and at the BET AWARDS at that #CulturesBiggestNight #BETAwards @BETAwards pic.twitter.com/G6SfrM0dfC
— skipper dante🌈 (@dantep__) June 28, 2021
The move has continued to dominate discussions on social media with many sharing mixed views on the matter.
Queen Latifah’s touching speech
Queen Latifah, Grammy-winning American singer-actor, was honored with the lifetime achievement award for her 30-year career during the event.
Latifah melted hearts with her touching acceptance speech dedicated to Lancelot Owens, her father, who accompanied her to the event.
Queen Latifah Lifetime Achievement #BETAwards Salutes the lgbtq community. Happy Pride 💜🌈#LoveWins pic.twitter.com/o1W09DBMtB
— Nina Nicole Kapowski (@NinaNicoleShow) June 28, 2021
The 51-year-old showbiz mogul also paid tribute to Rita Owens, her late mother, whom she carried a photo of onstage.
“I’m so extremely moved, I don’t even know what to say. I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful Blackness to thrive, to shine,” she said in the emotional speech.
“When we couldn’t get played on the radio and other places, we couldn’t get our videos played in other places, there was BET that allowed us to be in our fullness.”
“I’ve always celebrated the woman because I was raised by a strong Black woman. And raised by a father who loves women.”
DMX’s memorable tribute
Another major highlight of the show was tribute to Earl Simmons, the late American rap legend better known as DMX.
Several music stars including Busta Rhymes, Method Man and Swizz Beatz honored the late rapper with renditions of his classic hits.
BET Awards pay Tribute to DMX.🕊#ripdmx #betawards2021 pic.twitter.com/eswwLoG7Dx
— ZONE23 (@ZONE23WORLD) June 28, 2021
Michael Williams, award-winning American actor, also appeared in the tribute.
DMX passed away in April after suffering a heart attack from an apparent drug overdose.
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