Stephen Hill, Smokey Robinson, Ice Cube, Debra L. Lee, Berry Gordy & Wayne Brady/Photo Credit: BET.com

Posted by | Ray Cornelius 

All eyes were on Washington D.C.’s Warner Theater last night for the taping of the 2014 BET Honors. The annual award show, which recognizes African-American achievement, was hosted by comedic actor Wayne Brady with salutes to Aretha Franklin, Ice Cube, Berry Gordy, Carrie Mae Weems, Ken Chenault and the late Nelson Mandela.

A number of who’s who singers, actors and personalities gave outstanding tributes to the honorees including soul-stirring performances from Jennifer Hudson and Karen Clark-Sheard. Tamar Braxton, Smokey Robinson and Janelle Monae all rocked the house with old school selections from the Motown songbook. While Mariah Carey delivered a sexy performance of her new single, “You’re Mine” on top of a piano.

Celebrity presenters included Ludacris, Joe Morton, Mack Wilds and Rev. Al Sharpton.

Prior to the show, BET Chairman and CEO, Debra L. Lee hosted a dinner that was attended by all the honorees, presenters, and performers. The event was emceed by former 106 & Park  personality A.J. Calloway and fashion maven, Fonzworth Bentley.

Check out all the red carpet, performance and pre-show dinner photos below:

FROM THE RED CARPET

Jennifer Rap Up Aretha Rap Up

Jennifer Hudson and Aretha Franklin

 Janelle Rap Up Mack Wilds Rap Up

Janelle Monae & Mack Wilds

 FROM THE SHOW

Show Caption

 BET Honors host Wayne Brady

Jennifer Hudson performing

 Jennifer Hudson saluting Aretha Franklin

Aretha with Al Sharpton

 The Queen of Soul receiving her award from Rev. Al Sharpton

Tamar BET

 Tamar Braxton performed Diana Ross’ “Upside Down” for Berry Gordy Tribute

Berry and Smokey

 Smokey Robinson recalls special friendship with Gordy

Smokey BET

 Robinson performs his classic hit “Tracks of My Tears”

Wayne Brady

Wayne Brady bustin a move!

Janelle Monae performing

 Janelle Monae kills The Jackson Five classics, “I Want You Back” and “ABC”

Mariah on top

 Mariah Carey debuts her new single “You’re Mine”

Karen Performing BET

 Karen Clarke-Sheard brings down the house with “Amazing Grace”

Mandela's family

Mandela’s children: Mbuso, Zindzi and Bambatha accept award on behalf of their late father

FROM THE DINNER

REtha and Smokey

 Detroit buddies Aretha Franklin with Smokey Robinson

AJ and Fonz

 BET Honors Pre-Dinner hosts A.J. Calloway and Fonzworth Bentley

Gordy and Smokey

 Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy with guests

Joe Morton

 Scandal  star Joe Morton

Chenault

 Honoree Ken Chenault with guest

Luda and Ice

Ludacris and honoree Ice Cube

The BET Honors  airs on Monday, February 24 at 9 p.m. EST on BET.

Photo Credits: RapUp.com and BET.com and Dailymail.co.uk

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