You know, perhaps COVID lockdown provided the reset that was needed because I think BET truly did what needed to be done last night.
The 2021 BET Awards went down last night at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theatre with host Taraji P. Henson (who did amazing btw!). Following last year’s show, the physical return of the 2021 edition of the BET Awards has been highly anticipated among fans and artists alike. The network was forced to adjust the broadcast in 2020 to fit COVID-19 guidelines. Returning in full swing, this year’s show celebrated the greatest talent in music, film, sports, and more with a heavy emphasis on celebrating not only the culture but the power of black women.
The evening was stacked list of top-tier talent performing such as Cardi B, Jazmine Sullivan, Lil’ Baby, Lil’ Durk, City Girls, Migos, and more. This year, DaBaby and Megan thee Stallion lead the nominations with seven each; she walked away the night’s big winner with four awards, meanwhile DaBaby was shut out.
Cardi B’s “WAP” has new meaning at the BET Awards: WINNING and PREGNANT. The Grammy-winning superstar debuted her baby bump during a live performance Sunday alongside husband Offset as well as Quavo and Takeoff of Migos. She also won video of the year for her Megan Thee Stallion-assisted No. 1 hit “WAP,” along with ‘Best Collab.’
BET has caught some flack over the years for their show not maintaining the consistency and excitement it had in early years but I truly believe last night was a step in the right direction. I actually enjoyed the entire way through. With so much talent to be celebrated at the 2021 edition of the acclaimed award show, here’s a complete list of all of the award show’s nominees and winners. Let us know if you think there were any snubs here or if you’re satisfied with the list.
Album of the Year
After Hours – The Weeknd
Blame It On Baby – DaBaby
Good News – Megan Thee Stallion
Heaux Tales – Jazmine Sullivan – Winner
King’s Disease – Nas
Ungodly Hour – Chloe X Halle
Best Collaboration
Cardi B f/ Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP” – Winner
DaBaby f/ Roddy Ricch – “Rockstar”
DJ Khaled f/ Drake – “Popstar”
Jack Harlow f/ DaBaby, Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne – “What’s Poppin” (Remix)
Megan Thee Stallion f/ DaBaby – “Cry Baby”
Pop Smoke f/ Lil Baby & DaBaby – “For the Night”
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé
H.E.R. – Winner
Jazmine Sullivan
Jhené Aiko
Summer Walker
SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
6lack
Anderson .Paak
Chris Brown – Winner
Giveon
Tank
The Weeknd
Best New Artist
Coi Leray
Flo Milli
Giveon – Winner
Jack Harlow
Latto
Pooh Shiesty
Best Group
21 Savage & Metro Boomin
Chloe X Halle
Chris Brown & Young Thug
City Girls
Migos
Silk Sonic – Winner
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Cardi B
Coi Leray
Doja Cat
Megan Thee Stallion – Winner
Latto
Saweetie
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
DaBaby
Drake
J. Cole
Jack Harlow
Lil Baby – Winner
Pop Smoke
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
Bebe Winans – “In Jesus Name”
Cece Winans – “Never Lost”
H.E.R. – “Hold Us Together”
Kirk Franklin – “Strong God” – Winner
Marvin Sapp – “Thank You For It All”
Tamela Mann – “Touch From You”
BET Her Award
Alicia Keys f/ Khalid – “So Done”
Brandy f/ Chance The Rapper – “Baby Mama”
Bri Steves – “Anti Queen”
Chloe X Halle – “Baby Girl”
Ciara f/ Ester Dean – “Rooted”
SZA – “Good Days” – Winner
Best International Act
Aya Nakamura (France)
Burna Boy (Nigeria) – Winner
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Emicida (Brazil)
Headie One (Uk)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Young T & Bugsey (Uk)
Youssoupha (France)
Viewer’s Choice Award
Cardi B f/ Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP”
Chris Brown & Young Thug – “Go Crazy”
DaBaby f/ Roddy Ricch – “Rockstar”
DJ Khaled f/ Drake – “Popstar”
Drake f/ Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Later”
Lil Baby – “The Bigger Picture”
Megan Thee Stallion f/ Beyoncé – “Savage” (Remix) – Winner
Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open”
Video of the Year
Cardi B – “Up”
Cardi B f/ Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP” – Winner
Chloe X Halle – “Do It”
Chris Brown & Young Thug – “Go Crazy”
Drake f/ Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Later”
Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open”
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom
Bruno Mars And Florent Déchard – Winner
Cole Bennett
Colin Tilley
Dave Meyers
Hype Williams
Best Movie
Coming 2 America
Judas And The Black Messiah – Winner
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
One Night In Miami
Soul
The United States Vs. Billie Holiday
Best Actress
Andra Day – Winner
Angela Bassett
Issa Rae
Jurnee Smollett
Viola Davis
Zendaya
Best Actor
Aldis Hodge
Chadwick Boseman – Winner
Damson Idris
Daniel Kaluuya
Eddie Murphy
Lakeith Stanfield
Youngstars Award
Alex R. Hibbert
Ethan Hutchison
Lonnie Chavis
Marsai Martin – Winner
Michael Epps
Storm Reid
Sportswoman of the Year Award
A’ja Wilson
Candace Parker
Claressa Shields
Naomi Osaka – Winner
Serena Williams
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Sportsman of the Year Award
Kyrie Irving
Lebron James – Winner
Patrick Mahomes
Russell Westbrook
Russell Wilson
Stephen Curry
