BET Awards Dips In Ratings, Rises In Entertainment
By Norman Oliver 6/28/2015
Nostalgia is the key word to describe tonight’s BET Awards.
The ceremony featured outstanding tributes, reunion performances and appearances from some of the world’s most beloved artists. However, the star power did not draw in a larger audience than last year. The program’s ratings fell short dipping to 6.5 million viewers from 7.9 million.
Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson hosted the event at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. The “Black-ish” co-stars worked well together and delivered fun comedy bits. The two definitely have chemistry, but their hosting abilities did not stand out as much as past hosts.
Diddy delivered the ultimate Bad Boy throwback performance. However, he became so enraptured in his show that he ended up falling into an opening in the stage! But after his fall he quickly went back belting out his biggest hits. 112, Mase, and French Montana all performed individual tracks during the sets. But, it was the ladies who brought the energy with Faith Evans and Lil’ Kim.
R&B legend Smokey Robinson received the Lifetime Achievement award for his decades of contributions to the music industry. Tori Kelly and Robin Thicke were exceptional singing some his biggest hits to honor his accomplishments. However, both are odd choices for a Smokey Robinson tribute. Robinson’s acceptance speech was heartfelt and full of thanks to everyone who helped him in his career.
Janet Jackson is back and closed the show after receiving the first ever BET Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award. She did not perform but before her acceptance speech singers Ciara, Jason Derulo and Tinashe performed a dance routine to a melody of her biggest hits.
The fashion was lack luster as it usually. Everyone seemed to dress for a cocktail party rather than a award ceremony. The biggest highlights were Laverne Cox and Gabrielle Union in matching white Michael Costello gowns. Actress Naturi Naughton wore a beautiful African-inspired Orange gown designed by a high school senior.
Overall, the award show was definitely a step up from previous years. The production and performances went a lot smoother than it had earlier. Although the production can still use some work and there are still many discrepancies in some of the categories as far as nominees/winners. The BET Awards delivered a very entertaining program, but there is still room for improvement for next year’s ceremony.
Rating: 3/4
WINNERS:
Ultimate Icon, Music Dance Visual Award: Janet Jackson
Humanitarian Award: Tom Joyner
Best New Artist: Sam Smith
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Beyoncé
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown
Best International Act UK: Stormzy
Best International Act Africa: Stonebwoy
Best Group: Rae Sremmurd
Best Collaboration: Common & John Legend, “Glory”
Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson
Best Actor: Terrence Howard
Young Stars Award: Mo’ne Davis
Best Movie: Selma
Best Gospel Artist: Lecrae
Video of the Year: Beyoncé, “7/11”
Video Director of the Year: Beyoncé, Ed Burke & Todd Tourso
Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
Sportsman of the Year: Stephen Curry
Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award: Nicki Minaj f/ Drake, Lil’ Wayne & Chris Brown, “Only”
Centric Award: The Weeknd, “Earned It”
Fandemonium Award: Chris Brown
Lifetime Achievement Award: Smokey Robinson