Usher received the Lifetime Achievement Award and was honored with an epic tribute at the BET Awards 2024, reminding everyone that age is just a number when it comes to being a living legend.
The “Yeah!” hitmaker was presented with the award by Babyface and L.A. Reid, who co-founded LaFace Records and signed Usher when he was just a teen. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also came to the stage to participate in the presentation.
“Obviously tonight is a celebration of many things being able to be recognized for this Life Achievement award that’s coming. I’m really happy to still be a part of the fight, you know what I’m saying,” the R’n’B icon began as portions of his speech were partially censored as he was overcome with emotion.
The 45-year-old singer, who was also crowned Best Male R’n’B Pop Artist, paid tribute to all the fathers who are “being generals” and providing their sons with the “motivation” to be “our future Black leaders.”
“To fathers tonight at home or in this audience, I would like you to stand up. Far too often, we get to this moment on we are able to say to our mothers, ‘Look mom, I made it.’ We don’t get the chance to say enough ‘Dad, I did it.’ So this one is for all the men out there being generals to their sons and motivation for our future Black leaders, young men. Thank you, guys, so much for this honor,” the father-of-four added in his speech.
Usher also mentioned his ex-wife, Tameka Foster, insisting he’s “turning over a new leaf.”
“I’m trying, Tameka,” he said.
“This life achievement award, I don’t know, man, is it too early to receive it? ‘Cause I’m still runnin’ and gunnin’ like I did when I was eight years old,” he quipped at one point.
For the show-stopping tribute, a star-studded lineup including Childish Gambino, KeKe Palmer, CoCo Jones, Chloe Bailey, Tinashe, Latto, and more took to the stage for a medley of his classics, showing that Usher’s influence spans generations.
Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also paid homage to the “Love In This Club” singer. Keke Palmer performed “You Make Me Wanna,” much to the delight of a screaming Usher. Coco Jones did “There Goes My Baby,” Chloe Bailey wowed with her rendition of “Good Kisser,” and Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monet nailed their duet of “Bad Girl,” which Usher originally did with Beyoncé. Latto ended the tribute by replacing Ludacris’ verse on “Yeah!”
Rap titan Megan Thee Stallion dazzled when she opened the show with an energetic performance of “BOA” and “Where Them Girls At.” Will Smith, as expected, debuted his new single, “You Can Make It,” with gospel icon Kirk Franklin and the Sunday Service Choir joining him. Who knew the Fresh Prince would still be surprising us?
Killer Mike’s album Michael was named Album of the Year, while Victoria Monet won her first BET Award, the BET Her prize, for “On My Mama.”
“This is really amazing. It’s such an honor to receive this award, especially the BET Her award, because I’m so proud to be a Black woman. This is the lady that I put it on. This my mama,” she said joined by her mother.
She also snagged Video of the Year.
“Water” hitmaker Tyla was crowned New Artist and Best International Artist, proving that fresh talent continues to surge into the spotlight.
Lauryn Hill closed the bash with a series of career gems, leaving everyone feeling nostalgic and fulfilled.
Taraji P. Henson hosted the star-studded ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 30.
Head to www.bet.com to check out the full winners list.
