Justin Timberlake with Uncle Charlie Wilson and Pharrell Williams performing
Written by | Ray Cornelius
The night may have been ruled by young hip-hop stars but it was the magic of R&B legend Charlie Wilson that had everyone bobbing their heads during last night’s 2013 BET Awards. The annual award show aired live from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, CA and was hosted by comedian Chris Tucker.
Wilson picked up this year’s BET Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award for his “Outstanding” musical career. After thanking his “chilren,” Wilson proceeded to do what he’s does best and that’s entertain the crowd. Uncle Charlie danced and shook his groove thang around the stage while singing a medley of his Gap Band hits like “You Drop the Bomb on Me.” Wilson was later joined on stage by his new school admires Snoop Lion, Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake and performed their hit records, “Signs” and “Beautiful.” Wilson also received musical tributes from India.Arie, Jamie Foxx and Stevie Wonder.
Blue eyed-soul maestro, Robin Thicke, heated up the night with a very sexy rendition of his monster club hit, “Blurred Lines.” He left the stage and sung throughout the audience while Pharrell Williams and Atlanta’s own T.I. did their best impression of the “George Jefferson” dance on stage. (Anybody else catch that?)
Other memorable performances throughout the evening included Kendrick Lamar with MILF Erykah Badu, gospel diva Tamala Mann and Ciara, who showed the audience that she’s still got it with her slow winding single, “Body Party.” This year’s theme of “anything can happen” was just that and included a number of surprise appearances from R. Kelly to Reggae All-stars Elephant Man and Beenie Man, which had Nicki Minaj dancing in the aisles.
Black cinema was also highlighted in a major way as a number of casts from upcoming films presented awards throughout the night. Black Nativity, The Best Man Holiday, Baggage Claim, Fruitvale Station as well as BET’s The Game and Being Mary Jane were all accompanied with newly released trailers promoting their projects.
Unfortunately, the less memorable performances for me were from R&B prince Chris Brown featuring Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, who for some reason appears to struggle vocally these days and Miguel with Kendrick Lamar, who despite being warned by the show’s host Chris Tucker, proceeded to jump kick and slide across the stage anyway. (Will this guy ever learn?)
Big winners of the night included Kendrick Lamar, ASAP Rocky, Mary Mary, Jamie Foxx, Nicki Minaj, and Breezy, who walked away with the Fandemonium Award for the fourth year in a row. Olympic star Gabby Douglas was honored with the Young Stars Award and The Subway Sportswoman of the Year while Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade was this year’s Humanitarian Award recipient.
Click here to see all the winners and other highlights from last night’s show.
Tell us what was your favorite part of the 2013 BET Awards?
Photography Credit: AJC & Getty Images