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