2021 BET Awards: Megan Thee Stallion, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan win big and other best moments from the show
Megan Thee Stallion, H.E.R. and Jazmine Sullivan were among the big winners at the 2021 BET Awards, which aired live Sunday night from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
Actress Taraji P. Henson hosted the star-studded event, which honors the best and the brightest in Black music, culture and entertainment.
This year's theme was "Year of the Black Woman."
After a performance of her new song, “Thot S---,” Megan took home three of the biggest awards of the night: best female hip hop artist, viewer's choice award for the "Savage" remix featuring Beyonce and video of the year for her "WAP" collaboration with Cardi B.
Meanwhile, Cardi B surprised everyone by revealing her baby bump while performing “Type S---" alongside her husband Offset and Quavo and Takeoff of Migos.
This marks Cardi’s second child with husband Offset and her second time announcing her pregnancy on a live television show. Cardi announced her first pregnancy with the couple’s now 2-year-old daughter, Kulture, on "Saturday Night Live" in 2018.
For his debut performance at the awards show, Moneybagg Yo performed his single “Wockesha,” and his hit single, "Time Today." The star-studded evening also included lively performances from DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, Tyler, The Creator, Lil Nas X, Andra Day, Silk Sonic, Lil Durk, DJ Khaled, The Lox, Method Man and more.
H.E.R., who wowed the audience with a show-stopping performance of "We Made It," also won the award for best female R&B/pop artist.
Jazmine Sullivan brought out Rep. Maxine Waters and Ari Lennox during her performance. Sullivan also gave a heartfelt speech thanking her mother and all Black women after winning the award for album of the year for "Heaux Tales."
"This award is bigger than me," Sullivan said during her acceptance speech. "It’s for all the women, all the Black women that are amazing and strong, that have inspired me all my life. I’m so glad that I was able to tell part of our stories. I hope I did y’all proud."
In addition to performances, Henson kept the audience lively with celebratory comments about the impact of Black women. Henson also dressed up as Erykah Badu, Tina Turner and other inspiring women throughout the show.
Other notable highlights from the show include a tribute performance for the late rapper DMX and a tribute performance for Queen Latifah, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Female emcees Rapsody, Lil Kim, MC Lyte and Monie Love celebrated the artist and actress "who has been creating magic for decades" by performing her notable singles, "U.N.I.T.Y." and "Ladies First."
"I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful Blackness to thrive and shine," said Latifah during her acceptance speech.
Check out the full winners list below:
Album of the Year
- "Heaux Tales" – Jazmine Sullivan
Best Female R&B / Pop Artist
- H.E.R.
Best New Artist
- Giveon
Best Group
- Silk Sonic
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
- Megan Thee Stallion
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- Lil Baby
BET Her Award
- SZA – "Good Days"
Best International Act
- Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Best New International Act
- Bree Runway (UK)
Viewer’s Choice Award
- Megan Thee Stallion Ft. Beyoncé – "Savage (Remix)"
Video of the Year
- Cardi B Ft. Megan Thee Stallion – "WAP"
Best Actress
- Andra Day - "The United States vs Billie Holiday"
Sportswoman of the Year Award
- Naomi Osaka
Sportsman of the Year Award
- Lebron James
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Queen Latifah
Best Collaboration
- Cardi B Ft. Megan Thee Stallion – "WAP"
Best Male R&B / Pop Artist
- Chris Brown
Video Director of the Year
- Bruno Mars And Florent Déchard
Best Movie
- "Judas and the Black Messiah"
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel / Inspirational Award
- Kirk Franklin – "Strong God"
Best Actor
- Chadwick Boseman
Youngstars Award
- Marsai Martin
