Instead, she subverted expectations with violins and cellos. Jay-Z and Kanye West pick up Best Group for the Throne at the 2012 BET Awards.Īfter her exorcism-based Grammy performance, which caused the Catholic League to lash out against her persona and music, Minaj had fans expecting hell. Showing off her schizophrenic personality, Minaj performed the uplifting "Champion" and strip-club-ready anthem "Beez in the Trap" with a string orchestra that quickly morphed from angelic into a black stage surrounded with rings of fire. Both singer-rappers are nominated for awards.Nicki Minaj went both classical and a little dirty for her performance at the 2012 BET Awards. Brown, his girlfriend, his bodyguard and NBA star Tony Parker were among those injured in the June 14 encounter, where bottles were thrown.ĭrake, however, wasn't expected be at the event.
The most-buzzed about performance, though, may be a tribute planned for Houston that will include the late singer's mother, Cissy Houston, and other female singers, though BET didn't release those names.īrown also performed in his first televised appearance since the New York City nightclub brawl between his entourage and Drake's. Don Cornelius, Dick Clark and Hal Jackson were given shout-outs Even West offered tributes: after his performance, he name-dropped Rodney King and Whitney Houston in a verse that got cheers from the crowd, including his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian.įrankie Beverly featuring Maze were honored with the lifetime achievement award, and they were serenaded with performances by Tyrese, Faith Evans and Joe.ĭ'Angelo also performed, his first televised performance in years as he attempts a comeback. The night also featured some tributes to deceased greats: Chante Moore performed a medley of Donna Summer's hits and Valerie Simpson sang a song in honor of her husband and writing partner Nick Ashford. Usher performed his groove "Climax," and Nicki Minaj sported a blonde wig with pink tips as she performed the songs "Champion" and "Beez In the Trap," which featured 2 Chainz. The tone of night fluctuated frequently, as the show shifted from hotly anticipated performances to solemn moments to irreverence.
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The joking continued: Moments later, as West was giving his acceptance speech, Jay-Z interrupted him and said: "Excuse me Kanye, I'm gonna let you continue, but. Later, she lost the night's top award, video of the year, to Jay-Z and West's "Otis." When her husband won, she playfully hit him, as she laughed. It's the core of who I am," she said, giving special thanks to Lauryn Hill, Mary J. "I fell in love with music by listening to R&B. She won best female R&B artist and thanked the genre and her female influences.
Beyonce was the second most nominated act with six. West, who was up for seven awards, was the top nominee. Kevin Hart - who hosted the awards last year - also won for best actor, Big Sean was named best new artist and Wale and Miguel's smooth hit "Lotus Flower Bomb" won best collaboration. Other early winners included Chris Brown for best male R&B artist, his second consecutive win in the category. "I wish Jay-Z was here to say something politically correct for me," he said, before his mentor came to the stage.