Beyonce did more than sparkle on the red carpet, she blinded. Wow, that's some dress. Lisa gave you a rundown of the winners from the BET Awards earlier this morning that celebrated the stars of today. However, the highlights of the award show were the heartfelt tributes that were the most poignant.
Lifetime achievement honoree Diana Ross urged younger performers to "keep it classy" and refrain from foul behavior. A tearful Patti LaBelle joined an all-star tribute to R&B crooner Gerald Levert, who died last year. And fists pumped in the air as hip-hop group Public Enemy honored the late Godfather of Soul, James Brown, with a stirring rendition of one of his landmark hits, "Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud).""James Brown gets credit for laying the musical foundations of hip hop, but he set some attitudes for the culture as well. He was pro-black, pro-strong," said civil rights activist and longtime Brown friend, the Rev. Al Sharpton. "It's time for us to pick up the legacy and teach another generation to wear their shoulders back and hold their heads high and be able to say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud."
With that, Flavor Flav and Chuck D took the stage, launching into a medley of hits, including "Fight the Power" and "911 is a Joke." They were joined by veteran bassist Bootsy Collins, wearing his trademark shades, for a cover of Brown's "Say it Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)." Brown died on Christmas.
(WENN)
Many more photos (Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Tyrese Gibson, Al Sharpton, 50 Cent, Charlie Murphy, Ashanti, Patti LaBelle, Jimmy Jean Louis, Lil' Kim, Jordin Sparks, Chaka Kahn, Ray J, Vivica A. Fox, T.I., Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Don Cheadle) from the BET Awards red carpet and pressroom are after the jump.
(Hint: To open larger images of the photos in a new window or tab, chose the photo, and use the right click option on your mouse.)
(WENN)
Joya
Diana's speech was perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BK says:
I think I need some Jiffy Pop now.
bdayguurl says:
At first I thought that was fine-ass Robin Thicke's wife, Paula Patton...but is that ALICIA KEYS!?!?!?
WOW.
::clapping hands::
Strang'e, girl! You betta WORK!
CanDCaine says:
Diana is one of the most scandalous tricks around. SHe is the original hofessional. She has the nerve to tell everyone to "keep it classy" This from a woman who got pregnant by her boss, married a man to cover it up and gave birth to another kid the following year by him to fulfill the contract. Yes, we all know Rhonda belongs to Berry Gordy, but c'mon.
I guess on the other hand we could all learn by her choices.....
mel b says:
Yes BK! Where's the butter? Oh...right there! *pointing to Beyonce's butt*