Lisa Leslie, Loretta Devine and Ashanti Attend BET’s Pre-Awards Party

Hollywood stars turned out to BET’s Pre-Awards celebration at Milk Studios Saturday in Hollywood. An annual event usually held a day before the BET Awards and hosted by BET Networks Chairman/CEO Debra L. Lee, it’s been coined as the only social event of the summer.

Debra Lee

Debra Lee

“It’s a great annual event and people look forward to seeing each and celebrating black music and getting geared up for BET Awards,” said Lee.

Ashanti

Ashanti

Tyrese, Angela Simmons, Omarosa, Dr. Bobby Jones,  Judge Mathis, Richard Roundtree, MC Lyte, Michelle Williams and British producer Harmony Samuels who has produced a multitude of hits for artists such as Fantasia, Chris Brown, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo were just some of the stars who attended the opulent affair.

Bobby Jones

Bobby Jones

“I will never forget two years ago when Prince came.” Lee says  “He just came to the dinner and he didn’t perform and sat next to me all night. I haven’t gotten over it. When Janelle Monáe performed, he jumped up and ran on the dance floor.  That will always forever be in my mind.”

Jordin Sparks, producer Harmony and Michelle Williams

Jordin Sparks, producer Harmony and Michelle Williams

This year’s BET Awards will air live on the cable network Sunday (8 p.m. ET/PT) and will be hosted by Chris Tucker from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

Leon Robinson & Judge Marthis

Leon Robinson & Judge Marthis

MC Lyte

MC Lyte

R&B legend Charlie Wilson will be honored with a lifetime achievement award. Also scheduled to take the stage are Kelly, Miguel, Chris Brown, Janelle Monáe, Stevie Wonder, Lamar, Snoop, Timberlake, Robin Thicke, T.I., Ciara, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Erykah Badu.

Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie

Omarosa

Omarosa

Established in 2001, the BET Awards is one of the most watched awards shows on cable television, according to the Nielsen Company, and reaches an average of 7.5 million viewers annually.

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.

Photos by Royalty Image

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