2021’s BET Awards not only brought forth another exciting year of musical performances, tributes and award-winners, but also glowingly represented the creative minds who influence the culture every day.
As some of music’s brightest stars were on full display Sunday night (June 27), Tyler, The Creator, Roddy Ricch, Migos, Cardi B, H.E.R., Silk Sonic, Lil Nas X and more took the BET stage — providing show-stopping performances throughout the night.
Tyler, The Creator‘s first-ever BET performance included a custom-built set complementing the storyline of his latest blockbuster album, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST. Tyler performed the album’s lead single “LUMBERJACK,” riding in the backseat of a chauffeured car to further illustrate CMIYGL‘s narrative — bringing the house down in the process.
Roddy Ricch performed his latest single “Late At Night,” as his soulful, melodic crooning continued to woo those in attendance. Ricch seems to perform with ease on every stage he steps on, as his respect from both fans and artists alike continue to elevate “The Box” singer to new heights.
H.E.R. dropped her debut album, Back Of My Mind, last week, and had much to be happy about Sunday. Winning an award for “Best Female R&B / Pop Artist,” H.E.R. also had the chance to perform “We Made It” off her latest project. The multi-instrumentalist was a one-woman band rocking out on stage, masterfully playing both the drums and electric guitar during her performance.
Lil Baby and Lil Durk blessed their fans yet again following the recent release of their collaboration tape The Voice of the Heroes. Performing “Every Chance I Get” off DJ Khaled’s latest project Khaled Khaled, the trio was also joined by DaBaby, H.E.R. and Megan Thee Stallion for a medley of songs from Khaled’s album.
Amid hip-hop legend DMX‘s unfortunate passing this year, the Ruff Ryders artist was honored by Swizz Beats, The Lox and others during the awards ceremony — paying homage to X’s life and career as one of hip-hop’s most beloved artists over the past three decades.
Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak‘s triumphant 2021 keeps on going, stemming from their dynamic tandem in Silk Sonic. The two received an award for “Best Group” at the BETs — all off the success of their single from their upcoming self-titled album, “Leave The Door Open.”
Off the heels of their highly-anticipated project Culture III, Migos lit up the stage Sunday with none other than Cardi B — who shockingly revealed her pregnancy during their performance. Cardi appeared confident throughout her set, as her and Offset are now expecting their second child together.
View the complete list of nominees and winners at the 2021 BET Awards below:
Album of the year:
After Hours – The Weeknd
Blame It on Baby – DaBaby
Good News – Megan Thee Stallion
WINNER: Heaux Tales – Jazmine Sullivan
King’s Disease – Nas
Ungodly Hour – Chloe X Halle
Best female R&B / pop artist:
Beyoncé
WINNER: H.E.R.
Jazmine Sullivan
Jhené Aiko
Summer Walker
SZA
Best male R&B / pop artist:
6lack
Anderson .Paak
WINNER: Chris Brown
Giveon
Tank
The Weeknd
Best female hip hop artist:
Cardi B
Coi Leray
Doja Cat
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion
Latto
Saweetie
Best male hip hop artist:
DaBaby
Drake
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
WINNER: Lil Baby
Pop Smoke
Best new artist:
Coi Leray
Flo Milli
WINNER: Giveon
Jack Harlow
Latto
Pooh Shiesty
Best collaboration:
WINNER: Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch – “Rockstar”
DJ Khaled featuring Drake – “Popstar”
Jack Harlow featuring DaBaby, Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne – “Whats Poppin (Remix)”
Megan Thee Stallion featuring DaBaby – “Cry Baby”
Pop Smoke featuring Lil Baby & DaBaby – “For the Night”
Best Group:
21 Savage & Metro Boomin
Chloe X Halle
Chris Brown & Young Thug
City Girls
Migos
WINNER: Silk Sonic
Dr. Bobby Jones best gospel/inspirational award:
Bebe Winans – “In Jesus Name”
CeCe Winans – “Never Lost”
H.E.R. – “Hold Us Together”
WINNER: Kirk Franklin – “Strong God”
Marvin Sapp – “Thank You for It All”
Tamela Mann – “Touch From You”
BET HER award:
Alicia Keys featuring Khalid – “So Done”
Brandy featuring Chance the Rapper – “Baby Mama”
Bri Steves – “Anti Queen”
Chloe X Halle – “Baby Girl”
Ciara featuring Ester Dean – “Rooted”
WINNER: SZA – “Good Days”
Viewer’s choice award:
Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
Chris Brown & Young Thug – “Go Crazy”
DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch – “Rockstar”
DJ Khaled featuring Drake – “Popstar”
Drake featuring Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Later”
Lil Baby – “The Bigger Picture”
WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé – “Savage (Remix)”
Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open”
Video of the year:
Cardi B – “Up”
WINNER: Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
Chloe X Halle – “Do It”
Chris Brown & Young Thug – “Go Crazy”
Drake featuring Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Later”
Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open”
Video director of the year:
Benny Boom
WINNER: Bruno Mars & Florent Déchard
Cole Bennett
Colin Tilley
Dave Meyers
Hype Williams
Best international act:
Aya Nakamura (France)
WINNER: Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Emicida (Brazil)
Headie One (UK)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Young T & Bugsey (UK)
Youssoupha (France)
Best movie:
Coming 2 America
WINNER: Judas and the Black Messiah
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
One Night in Miami
Soul
The United States Vs. Billie Holiday
Best actress:
WINNER: Andra Day
Angela Bassett
Issa Rae
Jurnee Smollett
Viola Davis
Zendaya
Best actor:
Aldis Hodge
WINNER: Chadwick Boseman
Damson Idris
Daniel Kaluuya
Eddie Murphy
Lakeith Stanfield
Youngstars award:
Alex R. Hibbert
Ethan Hutchison
Lonnie Chavis
WINNER: Marsai Martin
Michael Epps
Storm Reid
Sportswoman of the year award:
A’ja Wilson
Candace Parker
Claressa Shields
WINNER: Naomi Osaka
Serena Williams
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Sportsman of the year award:
Kyrie Irving
WINNER: Lebron James
Patrick Mahomes
Russell Westbrook
Russell Wilson
Stephen Curry
