After setting the standard for virtual award shows last year, The BET Awards is back live in living color.
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With the show returning to its standard of a live (vaccinated) audience, things are going to get interesting this year. The 2021 BET Awards are set to take place on Sunday, June 26 at 8PM ET / 5PM PT and will air on BET. It was announced via press release that this year's theme is Year of the Black Woman— "to celebrate and honor their immense impact on the culture."
The BET Awards is the biggest night to honor and celebrate Black music and culture. Here's everything you need to know about this year's show.
WHO
Courtesy of BET
This year's show will be hosted by award-winning actress and mental health advocate, Taraji P. Henson. She expressed, "For more than 20 years, the BET Awards have been a celebration of Black creativity, art and excellence. Returning live, this year’s show will be unlike anything we have ever seen before, and I am honored to be sharing the stage with so many powerful and prolific women in music and entertainment. The BET Awards will once again be at the forefront of Black culture."
WHAT
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This year's theme is Year of the Black Woman. Connie Orlando (BET's EVP of Music Programming & Music Strategy) stated, “Black women have been essential drivers of change throughout history, from the political sphere to the cultural zeitgeist. The BET AWARDS is the ultimate celebration of Black culture, and we are looking forward to spotlighting and celebrating Black women during this year’s show, recognizing them for everything they’ve accomplished and applauding them for what’s to come.”
WHERE
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The show take place at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles.
HONOREES
Courtesy of BET
Queen Latifah is the recipient of the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award. Not only has she had an illustrious career, she was also the first Hip Hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. The late DMX will also be honored in a special tribute featuring Swizz Beatz, Michael K. Williams, Griselda, Method Man, Busta Rhymes and more.
NOMINEES
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GRAMMY winner, Megan Thee Stallion, along with DaBaby, racked up the most nominations with Cardi B and Drake trailing right behind. Check out the full list of nominees here.
PRESENTERS
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In the spirit of celebrating Black women, the star-studded list of presenters include Ashanti, Chlöe Bailey, Ciara, Eva Marcille, Issa Rae, Jill Scott, Lena Waithe, Marsai Martin, Michelle Buteau, MJ Rodriguez, Naomi Campbell, Regina Hall, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Saweetie, Sevyn Streeter and more.
PERFORMERS
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Those taking the stage IRL include Andra Day, City Girls, DaBaby, DJ Khaled, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, Kirk Franklin, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Migos, Moneybagg Yo!, Rapsody, Roddy Ricch, Tyler The Creator and more. Furthermore, rising talents Tone Stith and Bree Runway will be gracing the BET Amplified Stage— "BET Music's stamp of approval on the next big thing in music."
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