Usher accepted the lifetime achievement award at the 2024 BET Awards, and Will Smith debuted a single as he continued his comeback from slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars two years ago.
Usher accepted the lifetime achievement award at the 2024 BET Awards — even if the superstar mused it .
The Grammy winner stayed on his feet as a parade of artists performed his hits — Childish Gambino kicked it off with «U Don’t Have to Call», joined by Keke Palmer, who took the lead on «You Make Me Wanna.» Coco Jones appeared in the audience for a sultry rendition of «There Goes My Baby», serenading Usher and his wife Jenn Goicoechea.
Summer Walker hit the stage for «Good Good», Tinashe did «Nice & Slow», Marsha Ambrosius tackled «Superstar» and Chlöe performed «Good Kisser.» Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét teamed up for «Bad Girl», mirroring Usher and Beyoncé’s choreography from their performance of the song. Latto brought the energy for «Yeah!» In some ways, the homage underscored the women that carried much of the night — dominating the performances.
After introductions by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, Usher accepted the award from music executive L.A. Reid.
«Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it», Usher began his lengthy speech, reflecting on his career, which has spanned over three decades. He questioned the timing, saying, «I’m still running and gunning and I still love this (expletive) like I did when I was 8 years old», he said.
Much of his speech couldn’t be heard to audiences at home because it was censored.
«I forgive each and every person who had anything to say negative about me because it only motivated me to be who I am», he said at one point.
Earlier in the night, Will Smith stood in a circle of fire — joined by Fridayy and the gospel choir Sunday Service — to make the live debut of his latest single, «You Can Make It.»
«I don’t know who needs this right now», Smith opened his set. «But I am here to tell you, you can make it.
