BET Awards 2022

6.27.22

BET Awards 2022 6.26.22

The 2022 BET Awards went down last night, which social media is calling, “Culture’s Biggest Night.” Throughout the night, black artists and actors were celebrated, and they were giving back. The platform was used to educate, and it was also here to entertain. And that, it sure did.

In terms of meaningful givebacks, there were powerful discussions throughout the night. In addition to utilizing their voices, a few key artists throughout the night put some action into those words. After receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award, Diddy pledged to donation $1 Million each to Howard University and Jackson State, two of the largest HBCUs in the United States. Lizzo and Live Nation also pledged $1 Million to Planned Parenthood, just days after the government sent the states into a disappointing frenzy after their decisions against the topic.

When it comes to entertainment, from performances, to speeches, outfits, and people in the crowd. There was a lot that went down last night. I would say, the top five moments of the 2022 BET Awards are as follows:

1) Jack Harlow brings Brandy on stage to perform First Class.

Just a few weeks back, Jack Harlow was on the Breakfast Club, where he learned for this first time that Brandy and Ray J were siblings. Brandy heard the news and instantly clapped back with some Tweets, and her own version of Jack’s hit record, letting him know just who she is. During Jack’s performance, he not only brought out Lil Wayne for their new song, Poison, but he also brought out Brandy who performed her verse from First Class. Completely unexpected, but genius. We can now confirm there is truly no bad blood between the two. And maybe Jack has received some hip-hop history lessons from Brandy over their time getting ready for last night’s huge moment.

2) Ray J eats Ramen Noodles in the audience

Ray J must have known about his sister’s historic surprise performance, and wanted to make sure he went viral himself. Videos of himself eating instant noodles out of the microwaveable cup has gone viral. Who even let him walk in with instant noodles? Did he microwave those before he came in? Such a strange moment, but also hilarious.

3) Diddy thanks Cassie, as Yung Miami holds sign for him

Last night was a huge night for Diddy, as he entered the building knowing he was about to receive his Lifetime Achievement Award. After pledging huge donations to HBCUs, bringing out multiple surprise guests performances, Diddy made a speech that we just cannot forget. He thanked dozens of people in his life, many of them women. He even closed out his speech thanking Cassie, for holding him down in his dark times. Absolutely, she was there for him in many of his years going through personal and business ups and downs. However, the internet just cannot get over that Yung Miami was right there, smiling from cheek to cheek, holding up a sign that read “Go Papi!” Yung Miami, however, not well recognized in the speech.

4) Kanye West thanks Diddy for his “Wife Choices”

Kanye West made surprise appearance, giving a speech to honor Diddy. Now, we all know how Kanye West speeches go at Award shows. However, he really outdid himself by thanking Diddy for his “Wife Choices.” Kanye, it does not seem like the wife is coming back anytime soon. Still rooting for you in fashion and music, though!

5) Latto Wins. Period.

Latto won Best New Artist at the beginning of the night. I personally think it was a bit late for this, seeing as I think she should have won Best New Artist at all the award shows the past two years after dropping Queen of da Souf. However, 777 was incredible and showed even more of versatility, finally getting her this win. She got emotional during her speech, and thanked all her close and personal friends and family, showing how real of a human she really is. Later in the evening, she performed with fantastic choreography, and brought out Mariah Carey for a stunning guest performance. What an amazing night for Latto.

What was your favorite moment from the 2022 BET Awards? Did your favorite artist take home some hardware? Below is a complete list of the nominees and winners from last night.

Album of the Year

WINNER: An Evening With Silk Sonic, Silk Sonic
Back of My Mind, H.E.R.
Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, The Creator
Certified Lover Boy, Drake
Donda, Kanye West
Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe, Jazmine Sullivan
Planet Her, Doja Cat

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

Ari Lennox
Chlöe
Doja Cat
H.E.R.
WINNER: Jazmine Sullivan
Mary J. Blige
Summer Walker

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Blxst
Chris Brown
Givēon
Lucky Daye
WINNER: The Weeknd
Wizkid
Yung Bleu

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Cardi B
Doja Cat
Latto
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Saweetie

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

Drake
Future
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Kanye West
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
Lil Baby

Best Group

WINNER: Silk Sonic
Chlöe X Halle
City Girls
Lil Baby & Lil Durk
Migos
Young Dolph & Key Glock

Best Collaboration

WINNER: “Essence,” Wizkid Feat. Justin Bieber & Tems
“Every Chance I Get,” DJ Khaled Feat. Lil Baby & Lil Durk
“Family Ties,” Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar
“Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat Feat. SZA
“Way 2 Sexy,” Drake Feat. Future & Young Thug
“Whole Lotta Money” (Remix), Bia Feat. Nicki Minaj

Best New Artist

Baby Keem
Benny the Butcher
WINNER: Latto
Muni Long
Tems
Yung Bleu

Video of the Year

WINNER: “Family Ties,” Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar
“Have Mercy,” Chlöe
“Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat Feat. SZA
“Pressure,” Ari Lennox
“Smokin Out the Window,” Silk Sonic
“Way 2 Sexy,” Drake Feat. Future & Young Thug

Video Director of the Year

WINNER: Anderson .Paak a.k.a. Director .Paak
Benny Boom
Beyoncé & Dikayl Rimmasch
Director X
Hype Williams
Missy Elliott

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

“All in Your Hands,” Marvin Sapp
“Come to Life,” Kanye West
“Grace.” Kelly Price
“Hallelujah,” Fred Hammond
“Hold Us Together (Hope Mix),” H.E.R. & Tauren Wells
“Jireh,” Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music
WINNER: “We Win,” Lil Baby X Kirk Franklin

BET Her

“Best of Me (Originals),” Alicia Keys
WINNER: “Good Morning Gorgeous,” Mary J. Blige
“Have Mercy,” Chlöe
“Pressure,” Ari Lennox
“Roster,” Jazmine Sullivan
“Unloyal,” Summer Walker & Ari Lennox
“Woman,” Doja Cat

Best International Act

Dave (U.K.)
Dinos (France)
Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
Little Simz (U.K.)
Ludmilla (Brazil)
Major League DJz (South Africa)
Tayc (France)
WINNER: Tems (Nigeria)

Best Movie

Candyman
WINNER: King Richard
Respect
Space Jam: A New Legacy
Summer of Soul
The Harder They Fall

Best Actor

Adrian Holmes, Bel Air
Anthony Anderson, Black-Ish
Damson Idris, Snowfall
Denzel Washington, The Tragedy of Macbeth
Forest Whitaker, Respect | Godfather of Harlem
Jabari Banks, Bel Air
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
WINNER: Will Smith, King Richard

Best Actress

Aunjanue Ellis, King Richard
Coco Jones, Bel Air
Issa Rae, Insecure
Jennifer Hudson, Respect
Mary J. Blige, Power Book II: Ghost
Queen Latifah, The Equalizer
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Regina King, The Harder They Fall
WINNER: Zendaya, Euphoria | Spider-Man: No Way Home

YoungStars Award

Akira Akbar
Demi Singleton
WINNER: Marsai Martin
Miles Brown
Saniyya Sidney
Storm Reid

Sportswoman of the Year Award

Brittney Griner
Candace Parker
WINNER: Naomi Osaka
Serena Williams
Sha’carri Richardson
Simone Biles

Sportsman of the Year Award

Aaron Donald
Bubba Wallace
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ja Morant
LeBron James
WINNER: Stephen Curry