Ne-Yo who also performed took his trophy as Best Male R&B and dedicated it to the late singer Gerald Levert.
- Jun 27, 2007
AceShowbiz - Second and final wave of 2007 BET Awards winners have taken course as Ne-Yo named the Best Male R&B Artist. Within the acceptance speech, the singer dedicated the winning to the late Gerald Levert, who became the recipient of this year's BETJ Cool Like Dat.
Levert who died in November 2006 became the main subject of the emotional moment of the night. His father Eddie sang his most performed song "Wind Beneath My Wings" and was joined by divas Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams. Labelle continued by saying that Gerald has "one of the best voices around" and that "his life was embodied with soul music".
Soul crooner Erykah Badu then broke the teary atmosphere with "Love Hangover" during Lifetime Achievement Award giving. The music categories kept flowing out as Beyonce Knowles took her second winning through Best Female R&B and Jennifer Hudson, who also snatched her second trophy, grabbed Best Artist award. On her first winning Hudson said, "I can't believe I'm still winning awards!"
Meanwhile, the Gospel category that honors urban contemporary gospel artists was given to second time winner Kirk Franklin. Viewers Choice Award that was determined by poll pointed to Birdman and Lil Wayne on "Stuntin' Like My Daddy".
The 2007 BET Awards is hosted by plus-size comedian Mo'Nique who made a flashy entrance as she shook her booties in Beyonce's hit "Crazy in Love".
Complete Music Winners of 2007 BET Awards:
- Video of the Year - Beyonce Knowles for "Irreplaceable"
- Best Hip-Hop Artist - T.I.
- Best Group - Gnarls Barkley
- Best Collaboration - Mary J. Blige & Ludacris for "Runaway Love"
- Best Male R&B - Ne-Yo
- Best Female R&B - Beyonce Knowles
- Best Artist - Jennifer Hudson
- Best Gospel - Kirk Franklin
- BETJ Cool Like That - Gerald Levert
- Viewers Choice Award - Birdman and Lil Wayne for "Stuntin' Like My Daddy"
