The Best of BET Awards 2014

Chris Brown made a triumphant return to the BET Awards stage after a stint in jail, Jennifer Hudson showed off her incredibly powerful vocals. Nicki Minaj gave a dramatic Alice In Wonderland-inspired performance, Usher performed an action-packed medley of his biggest hits and music icon Lionel Richie received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chris Brown makes a triumphant return to the BET Awards

Chris Brown makes a triumphant return to the BET Awards

These are just some of the highlights of the annual BET Awards which was hosted by Chris Rock and held at the Nokia Theater L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday. An event that drew the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports, there were appearances by Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Keke Palmer, Regina Hall, Larenz Tate, Bow Wow, Ashanti, T.I., Keyshia Cole, Mike Tyson, Nick Cannon, Zendaya,  Chadwick Boseman, Tyrese, Davido  and Nate Parker.

Jennifer Hudson shows off her incredibly powerful vocals

Jennifer Hudson shows off her incredibly powerful vocals

Nicki Minaj gave a dramatic performance

Nicki Minaj gave a dramatic performance

With nominations in 19 categories from Best New Artist, Best Actress to Best International Act, the BET Awards 2014 was filled with electrifying performances, emotional speeches and unforgettable moments.

Davido wins Best International Act - Africa at the BET Awards 2014

Davido wins Best International Act – Africa at the BET Awards 2014

Kerry and Kevin present a BET Award

Kerry and Kevin present a BET Award

Taking a cue from Ellen DeGeneres’ pizza delivery at this year’s Oscar Awards, Rock who had the crowd in fits of laughter, thanks to his riffs on a range of topics, from Donald Sterling to Jay-Z and Solange to Dr. Dre and the Beats/Apple deal, provided the audience with a delivery of Roscoe’s Chicken ‘n Waffles.  Pharrell Williams opened the show with an energetic rendition of “Come Get It Bae” surrounded by cheerleaders, and was joined by surprise performer and fellow Virginia native, Missy Elliott.

Pharrell presents Lionel Richie with his Lifetime Achievment Award at the BET Awards 2014

Pharrell presents Lionel Richie with his Lifetime Achievment Award at the BET Awards 2014

Ashanti

Ashanti

Beyoncé took home the most trophies of the evening with three awards, as did acclaimed film “12 Years A Slave” which swept the film award categories. Music icon Lionel Richie received the Lifetime Achievement Award with a tribute that included a presentation of classics “Hello” and “Still” by John Legend and a rendition of “Brick House” by Ledisi although the most memorable moment came from Gospel singer Yolanda Adams who delivered a soulful, inspired performance of “Jesus Is Love,” bringing the crowd to its feet. Other winners included Serena Williams for Sportswoman of the Year, Lupita Nyong’o for Best Actress while Chiwetel Ejiofor received the Best Actor Award.

The “BET Awards” is the biggest guilty pleasure on cable TV and is one of the most watched award shows on cable according to the Nielsen Company and the franchise remains the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film. She serves as the Entertainment Editor for Trendy Africa. Photo Credit: Royalty Image and BET Networks

 

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