Highlights from the BET Awards, 2021

The BET Awards 2021 were held on June 27th, 2021, honoring artists, entertainers, and the industry icons across 20 categories.  Taraji P Henson hosted the show.  An Academy-Award nominee and Golden Glob winning actor and filmmaker, he is no stranger to these awards and proudly presented to a COVID-19 vaccinated audience. 

The Year of the Black Woman 

This year’s BET Awards 2021 highlighted the very best in entertainment and culture along with live performances and appearances from some of the biggest names across TV, movies, and music.  These awards are some of the biggest of the year, and to win one is indeed a momentous honor. The theme of this year was the Year of the Black Woman, celebrating their history, pride and the positive impact black women have had on the world today. 

Notable BET Awards 2021 Performances 

The BET Awards 2021 was opened by Kirk Franklin who performed the song We Win, the theme tune to Space Jam, A New Legacy.  As well as Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby, Migos performed Straightening and Type Shit.  Cardi B, who performed with Migos announced her pregnancy in front of an enthralled audience.  Later on, H.E.R played We Mad It to rapturous applause as she was suspended in the middle of the air, playing the drums.  She also played an exceptional guitar solo.  Other performances included Wockesha and Time Today by Moneybagg Yo and DaBaby played Ball If I Want to alongside dancers and acrobats. 

Other notable performances are credited to Tyler, The Creator who sang his Lumberjack. This performance was the first time he’s sung as the BET Awards.  Jazmine Sullivan sang her newest singles Tragic and On It and was introduced by Maxime Waters, Congresswoman.  Later on, the audience was treated to a supreme performance by Roddy Ricch who sang his latest single, Late at Night. 

Award Winners – BET Awards 2021 

The Shine a Light award went to Darnella Frazier.  

She is famed with capturing the video of murdered George Floyd which sparked the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement and highlighted the inequalities in the American police system. 

• Album of the Year, Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan 
• Best Colab, Cardi B Feat and Megan Thee Stallions for WAP 
• Best Female R&B, H.E.R 
• Best Male R&B, Chris Brown 
• Best New Artist, Giveon 
• Best Group, Bruno Mars, Anderson, Paak, Silk Sonic 
• Best New International Act, Bree Runway 
• Best Female Hip Hop, Megan Thee Stallion 
• Best Male Hip Hop, Lil Baby 
• Best Gospel, Kirk Franklin for Strong God 
• Best HER Award, SZA for Good Days 
• Best International Act, Burna Boy 
• Best Video of 2021, Cardi B Feat and Megan Thee Stallion for WAP 
• Video Director of 2021, Bruno Mars and Florent Dechard 
• Best Movie, Judas, and the Black Messiah 
• Best Actress, Andra Day 
• Best Actor, Chadwick Boseman 

Find out more about the BET Awards 2021 by clicking on this link: www.bet.com