Donald Glover took the stage at the BET Awards, delivering a powerful speech that resonated with many fans, while the night itself was filled with unforgettable performances and deserving award winners.
- Jul 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - Childish Gambino, known for his searing social commentary and creative prowess, took the BET Awards stage on Sunday night, June 30 not just to present an award but also to express his frustration with the lack of recognition from the organization.
"This isn't personal, but I just feel I should have more BET Awards. I'm serious. It's the Black Entertainment Television Awards. How much more entertaining do I have to do?" Gambino queried, highlighting that he only has one BET Award despite his significant contributions to music and entertainment.
The musician whose real name is Donald Glover went on, "It's just the math of the fact, because it doesn't really make sense. I have more Grammys than Will Smith - which makes no sense - but I have the same amount of BET Awards as Sam Smith. Does that make sense to you guys? Me and Sam Smith are neck and neck, at the Black Entertainment Television…"
His comments quickly gained traction on social media, with many users supporting his sentiments and pointing out similar oversights for artists like Tyler, The Creator. His critique echoed recent complaints by Jay-Z at the Grammy Awards, making it clear that many artists seek greater acknowledgment from major award bodies.
The BET Awards, hosted by the charismatic Taraji P. Henson at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, showcased a constellation of stars. Drake, leading the nominations with seven, competed fiercely alongside Nicki Minaj, who received six nods.
Henson emphasized the significance of the event, saying, "If we didn't have a BET, how would the little ones know all this greatness exists? This is a safe space for us where we get to lift each other up."
The evening was packed with high-energy performances from some of the biggest names in the industry. Among those captivating the audience were Childish Gambino, Megan Thee Stallion, Lauryn Hill, and Coco Jones. Usher, who took home the Lifetime Achievement Award and was named Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, was also honored with a tribute performance by Gambino.
Killer Mike won the coveted Album of the Year for "Michael" while Victoria Monet took home the BET Her award and Video of the Year for "On My Mama." The first award of the night went to Tyla, who was honored as Best International Act and later Best New Artist.
A standout moment was Will Smith's performance of his new song "You Can Make It," marking his return to the music stage with great anticipation. Connie Orlando, BET's EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, aptly summed up the night, "From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage."
The awards aired live on June 30, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET and other networks like MTV and Nickelodeon, ensuring a broad and engaged audience. The night celebrated not only musical accomplishments but also the powerful voices and cultural contributions of the artists who light up the stage year after year.
