Janelle Monáe, Jazmine Sullivan, And More Slam Roe V. Wade Ruling At BET Awards

Selome Hailu This year’s BET Awards experienced a boost from last year’s numbers, drawing in 3.2 million viewers across a simulcast of 10 Paramount Global networks on Sunday.This marks a 34% jump in viewership from 2021, when BET’s in-person ceremony brought in only 2.4 million viewers across multiple outlets. In comparison, the 2020 BET Awards (which were held virtually) averaged 3.7 million people, in large part due to simulcasting with CBS. (CBS didn’t return as a partner in 2021 or 2022.)BET averaged 2.1 million viewers out of this year’s total 3.2 million.

Best New Artist trophy at the 2022 BET Awards, Latto gave viewers one of the best performances of Sunday night's ceremony. The 23-year-old began with her new single, «It’s Givin,» dancing on a desk surrounded by dancers in center stage. She smoothly segued into her mega-hit, «Big Energy,» with Young Dirty Bastard joining the rapper to pay homage to his father, the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. Young Dirty Bastard rapped his verse from the «Fantasy» remix, which Latto's track features.  2022 BET Awards: See All of the Star-Studded Performances! Then, to the surprise of the audience, Latto directed attention to a silhouette positioned center stage, which then dissolved into a kaleidoscope of butterflies as Carey belted out her signature high note.

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorThe BET Awards are officially a celebration of “Black excellence,” and Sunday night’s show featured blockbuster performances from Lizzo, Mariah Carey, Latto, Jack Harlow (who was joined by Brandy and Lil Wayne) and an elaborate tribute to Lifetime Achievement honoree Sean “Diddy” Combs that included an unannounced in-person speech from Kanye West.But for the second time in three years, the show coincided with galvanizing events in the United States: In 2020, it was George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police and the ensuing the Black Lives Matter protests, and this year it was the Supreme Court’s polarizing overturn of Roe v. Wade and the impending loss of a woman’s right to choose in many states in the country.

King Richard. The show took place two days following the to overturn , ending abortion as a constitutionally protected right in the United States. Henson, Monáe, and Jazmine Sullivan were among the stars with some strong words of condemnation: “It’s about damn time we talk about the fact that guns have more rights than a woman," said Henson referencing Lizzo's hit song.

The2022 BET Awards are here to honor Black excellence across music, television, film and sports! Some of the biggest celebs turned out for the big occasion.

Janelle Monáe spoke out against the recent overturning of Roe v Wade, flipping off the US Supreme Court in the process.In early May, leaked documents showed that the US Supreme Court voted privately to overturn Roe v. Wade, a 1973 case that made abortion legal on a federal level.

BET Awards made a powerful statement with their surprising and emotionally resonant «In Memoriam» segment.After a brief introduction from host Taraji P. Henson, the award show's traditional tribute to those we've lost in the past year took a political stance immediately, with the first name in the montage being «Roe v.

The 22nd annual aired Sunday night, with Taraji P. Henson returning as host for “culture’s biggest night.” Presented live from the Microsoft Theater, the star-studded event featured a roster of fresh and familiar talent, including electric performances by Lizzo, Jack Harlow, Lil Wayne, Roddy Ricch and Chance the Rapper.

Lizzo has dazzled at the 2022 BET Awards, performing ‘About Damn Time’ from her forthcoming album ‘Special’.Her appearance at the event opened with her face projected onto a clock visual and a troupe of gold-clad dancers introducing the song. From there, Lizzo herself appeared, dressed in a gold, disco-ball-like outfit.“You know what time it is,” she said, before launching into a flute solo, and a captivating, uplifting rendition of the viral hit, including moves from its accompanying TikTok dance.“It’s about damn time we have fun,” she added towards the latter end of the song.

Janelle Monae used the BET Awards to send a strong message to the Supreme Court following the recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. 

The stars are stepping out for the 2022 BET Awards!

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorTaraji P. Henson took a moment to be serious in her otherwise upbeat introduction to the BET Awards on Sunday night, delivering the first of three consecutive slams at the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v.