The 2024 BET Awards hit the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 30) evening. For the third time, Taraji P. Henson hosted, and the Academy Award-nominated actor helped open the show with a parody take on Kendrick Lamar’s Billboard Hot 100 topper “Not Like Us” after a medley performance by Megan Thee Stallion of songs from her new album, Megan, which dropped Friday.
Will Smith, Sexyy Red, Tyla, Shaboozey (joined by J-Kwon!), Victoria Monét, Latto, GloRilla and many more performed, with Usher receiving the lifetime achievement award at the 2024 BET Awards. Smith performed a dramatic version of his new song, “You Can Make It,” which features Fridayy and Sunday Service Chor. But at the BET Awards on Sunday, Smith delivered it alongside Chandler Moore, Kirk Franklin and Sunday Service Choir.
During the show, Henson took a break from parody songs, skits and repartee to make an impassioned speech, imploring viewers to vote in the presidential election come November. “It’s a serious time. It’s not just the presidential election,” Henson said. “Did you know that it is now a crime to be homeless? Pay attention. They are attacking our most vulnerable citizens. The Project 2025 plan is not a game. Look it up. They are trying to bring the draft back. Who do you think they’re going to draft first?! I’m not trying to scare us — I’m trying to inform us. We got three Supreme Court seats up, you guys – we need those seats or we have no protection.”
