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 Hudson and Aretha Franklin
Janelle Monae & Mack Wilds
FROM THE SHOW
BET Honors host Wayne Brady
Jennifer Hudson saluting Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul receiving her award from Rev. Al Sharpton
Tamar Braxton performed Diana Ross’ “Upside Down” for Berry Gordy Tribute
Smokey Robinson recalls special friendship with Gordy
Robinson performs his classic hit “Tracks of My Tears”
Wayne Brady bustin a move!
Janelle Monae kills The Jackson Five classics, “I Want You Back” and “ABC”
Mariah Carey debuts her new single “You’re Mine”
Karen Clarke-Sheard brings down the house with “Amazing Grace”
Mandela’s children: Mbuso, Zindzi and Bambatha accept award on behalf of their late father
FROM THE DINNER
Detroit buddies Aretha Franklin with Smokey Robinson
BET Honors Pre-Dinner hosts A.J. Calloway and Fonzworth Bentley
Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy with guests
Scandal star Joe Morton
Honoree Ken Chenault with guest
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