The 20th annual BET Awards were handed out on Sunday night via a virtual broadcast, with the honors being handed out remotely. Roddy Ricch, Megan Thee Stallion and Chris Brown each won two awards throughout the night. Ricch earned Album of the Year for Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial and Best New Artist. Megan Thee Stallion won as Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and her hit “Hot Girl Summer,” featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, earned the 2020 Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award. Brown was named Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and his track with Drake “No Guidance” won for Best Collaboration.
Other notable winners included Lizzo for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and DaBaby for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.
Beyoncé was honored with the annual Humanitarian Award by former First Lady Michelle Obama, honoring the superstar’s philanthropic efforts. Beyoncé used the moment to support those who have been protesting for racial equality and urging viewers to vote. “Your voices are being heard and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain,” she said. “Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power and that is to vote. I’m encouraging you to continue to take action. Continue to change and dismantle the racist and unequal system.”
Throughout the show, performers highlighted the Black Lives Matter cause and the protest movement, including DaBaby replicating George Floyd‘s death and honoring those who have died. Public Enemy debuted an all-star remix of their classic “Fight the Power” with updated lyrics. Lil Wayne honored the late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant during his performance. Additionally, comedian Wayne Brady paid tribute to the late Little Richard.
