Culture's biggest night: The best BET Awards performances

Launched as a program block on January 25, 1980, and becoming a BET (Black Entertainment Television), BET celebrates African American culture through television shows, specials, and awards shows. The network has provided a platform for African Americans to have a voice. It was important at that time that outlets such as MTV did not cater to African Americans.

At one point, there were no award shows that celebrated black artists. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, and Boyz II Men received their flowers at those shows, but there were artists who flew under the radar. Because of this, they were overlooked at major award shows. Soul Train led the charge by launching their own award show in 1987. BET decided to up the ante in 2001 when they launched the BET Awards. Still to this day, it is a signature event for the network celebrating black culture.

The BET Awards are most known for their outstanding performances. Viewers never knew who would show up, you never knew what you were going to see. This is what makes the BET Awards truly special. Let's take a look at some of the best BET Awards Performances of all time.

Best BET Awards performances throughout the years

B2K - (2003)

Still can't get over their unfortunate breakup in 2004; okay, back to the topic at hand. B2K was at the peak of their career in 2002. So much so that they were asked to perform for the 2003 ceremony. This performance had amazing choreography, dope visual effects along with fantastic pyro. How good was it? Let's just say audience members were literally standing in their seats giving the quartet a monstrous ovation when it was done.

James Brown "Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree" (2003)

Keeping it at the 2003 Ceremony (what an amazing show). Every year, BET honors an artist for their work and their contribution to the music industry. The late James Brown was the honoree in 2003 and he blessed the stage with an awesome performance. What made this performance truly special is the moment between James Brown and Michael Jackson. It's not often one gets to meet and perform with their idol.

Beyoncé - (2006)

Any Beyonce performance is an experience, however, her performance at the 2006 gala solidified her status as one of the greatest performers of all time. It was almost as if Beyoncé channeled the great divas from the past in order to give the viewers an incredible performance. Not to mention the outfit was tea.

Yolanda Adams's tribute to Anita Baker - (2018)

Anita Baker was the honoree for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 ceremony. During her performance tribute, there were many spectacular performances. However, there was one performance in particular that truly stood the test of time. That performance came from Yolanda Adams. There are no words to describe this performance.

New Edition ft. cast of "The New Edition Story" - (2017)

What made this New Edition performance at the 2017 BET Awards truly incredible is the group shared the stage with the cast members of "The New Edition Story": the three-part biopic that aired on BET. A truly incredible performance. It's amazing how these guys can still perform at this level. Catch them in Las Vegas during their residency in the fall.

Lauryn Hill, Zion Marley & Wyclef Jean - (2024)

The BET Awards are known for their spectacular finale performances and while this performance is a most recent one, it deserves to be highlighted. Lauryn performing with her son Zion Marley, a tribute to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, a Fugees reunion? What a way to end the 2024 BET Awards.

Other amazing performances include Usher (2002), Whitney Houston (2001), Kanye West (2004), Outkast (2001), Busta Rhymes (2006), T-Pain/Lil Wayne (2008), Chris Brown (2010 & 2013), 50 Cent (2005) & Drake (2009).

More music news and analysis: