Christopher Polk/Getty Images for BET
The 2015 BET Awards was a night full of electrifying performances, emotional speeches and unforgettable moments. The awards, hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross aired live from the Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater on Sunday, June 28. This year the awards actually seemed to take a back seat to all of the amazing performances. BET pulled out all of the stops and surprises!
Kendrick Lamar opened the show and received a standing ovation for his performance of “Alright”. From then on it was a night full of surprises. Janelle Monae kept the “party” going with an energetic performance of her hit “Yoga”. Chris Brown brought sexiness to the table and even more energy with a performance of his new song “Liquor.” Tyga soon joined Brown for a performance of their hit single “Ayo,” and before you know it Brown was performing the hit “Post To Be” with Omarion.
The Weeknd surprised the audience when Alicia Keys joined him on the stage, sitting at a beautiful baby grand piano, to perform a rendition of his hit “Earned It”.
Diddy aka Sean Puffy Combs stole the show with his much anticipated Bad Boy 20th Anniversary reunion performance. The entire Mircrosoft Theater jumped to their feat at the sound of the late Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize.” The audience got a chance to enjoy a nice Bad Boy Records medley that went from Mase “Feel So Good” to 112’s “Peaches & Cream”, Faith Evans “Love Like This”, and Lil’ Kim & The Lox brought the house down with their performance of “It’s All About The Benjamins.” Things got interesting when Diddy brought French Montana out. Even though Diddy wanted to bring the Bad Boy Records celebration to present day, French’s set didn’t seem to fit. In fact it brought the energy down. Diddy quickly brought the energy back up when he brought Pharrell Williams out to perform their new single “Finna to Get Loose.”
The night was far from over as Big Sean performed, there was an Empire showcase featuring Yazz, Jussie Smollett and Seraya, and Meek Mill brought out Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown to perform his new single “All Eyes on You.” The very talented Avery Wilson and Andra Day also were given mini spotlight performances.
Although icon Janet Jackson didn’t sing or dance, her tribute performances captivated the hearts of Janet fans everywhere. She was the recipient of the first-ever Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award. Her longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis presented the award. High energy electrifying performances by Tinashe, Jason Derulo and Ciara followed.
K. Michelle & Tamar Braxton decided to end their R&B beef by performing separate sets and then finally together, bringing out the Queen Patti Labelle.
Smokie Robinson and Fly Jock Tom Joyner were both award recipients. Smokie Robinson was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and honored with performances by Tori Kelly, Robin Thicke, and Neyo. Tom Joyner was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award. Robinson even took the stage to perform his hit “Cruisin.’ Rihanna also took the stage to present a clip of her “B*tch Better Have My Money” video. Fetty Wap closed the show with a performance of his hit “Trap Queen.”
Before all of the awards fun AllHipHop was on the red carpet to catch up with all of your favorite celebrities. Check out DJ Hustle’s BET Awards red carpet interviews also!
