Last night, the 13th annual BET Awards aired on … well, BET. The ceremony was established to recognize the musical, sports and acting achievements of public figures popular within black American culture. The caliber of each year’s event tends to vary.
Chris Rock hosted this year. He passed out chicken and waffles and took shots at everyone in the audience. This year’s performances, from the likes of Chris Brown, Lil’ Wayne, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea and others were better than years past, but that’s not all we learned last night. Here are 10 things the 2014 BET Awards taught us.
1. Nicki Minaj claims she tried to kill herself recently.
Yes, it was as awkward as it sounds. As she accepted the award for best female hip-hop artist (for the fifth consecutive year), Minaj described an experience recently where she considered taking her own life, but preferred to die alone instead of calling 911 because TMZ might found out. “The other day, literally I didn’t tell anybody this, I really thought I was about to die. Like, I was saying my prayers to die. And I didn’t even want to call the ambulance because I thought, well if I call the ambulance, it’s going to be on TMZ.”
2. Beyoncé & Jay Z don’t do the BET Awards.
I think everyone was more than disappointed to wait about three hours for an “On The Run” tour performance via satellite. Viewers were made to believe the Carters would be performing live at the ceremony and of course they vented their frustrations on social media.
3. No one was safe from Chris Rock’s jokes.
Rock took a few subtle jabs at everyone — from Paris Hilton to Floyd Mayweather and T.I. He mentioned Donald Sterling, the megahit television show, “Scandal” and managed to distract the audience from two stabbings that took place prior to the ceremony beginning. These events were “unauthorized and unaffiliated” with BET, but Rock made light of the unfortunate situation.
4. Robin Thicke is desperate to get his wife back.
Thicke dedicated “Forever Love” off his upcoming album, Paula to his wife, Paula Patton, with whom he’s currently separated. He shouted her out, declaring his love for Patton from a very vulnerable place. The intentions were good, but I think now Patton has this unfair pressure to take him back since millions of people have seen this. Oh, and the name “Paula” splashed across the backdrop of the stage after his performance. Not awkward at all. Nope.
5. Chris Brown deserved to be there like anyone else.
Despite your personal feelings about Brown, he’s an artist and is great at what he does. At last night’s show, he performed his hit “Loyal” and was nominated in multiple categories. Look, we all make mistakes and he’s still young. Let that man live.
6. When Lionel Richie wrote his biggest hits, records companies told him he was ruining his career.
Former Commodore, Lionel Richie accepted the Lifetime Achievement award last night and mentioned this in his speech. It just goes to show you can’t always listen to those around you — when your spirit tells you something, it’s best to roll with it.
7. Pharrell’s wife, Helen Lasichanh is super dope.
The model and fashion designer wasn’t dressed in your typical floor-length gown. She looked rather comfortable actually.
8. Young Money does not know how to act on stage.
The gang rolled deep to the awards show and all 50,000 members went on stage to accept the award for best group. Minaj declared Young Money was a hand-selected group by Lil’ Wayne and they’re a true family, not created by any record label. Wayne gets on the mic, says a few words, then throws the mic down – breaking some of the pieces. Sigh. OK, Young Money…
9. Yolanda Adams delivered a stellar performance of “Jesus Is Love.”
Everyone already knows Adams can blow, but her performance during Richie’s tribute was spirit-filled and brought most of the audience to their feet. For a few minutes, everyone felt what Adams felt. Richie later said he was thankful for singing and writing the song first.
10. Larenz Tate does not age.
But you already knew that.
What did the BET Awards teach you?
