Although the BET Awards recognized some of the entertainment industry's most celebrated performers last night, it was the programs tributes to living legends and recently departed giants that provided the most emotion.
Setting the pace was the stunning show opener, an incredible duet between Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday of the anthemic "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls. Hudson won the best supporting actress Academy Award this year for her role as Effie in the movie adaptation of the musical, but, as we all know, it was Holliday who originated the role on Broadway almost three decades ago and made the song one of the most stirring performances in music.
The two Jennifers united to sing what has now become both women's signature song in an historic performance: Hudson has only performed the song live once (?) and Holliday's complaints about being ignored for her contributions to Dreamgirls have been legendary. You Tube of last night's performance here.
50 Cent took the stage to perform his new hit, "Amusement Park," which was bleeped several times. No surprise there.
Perhaps with that performance in mind, Lifetime achievement winner Diana Ross took the stage and urged younger performers to "keep it classy" and refrain from foul behavior.
"I have tried to keep the standards high," she said. "We do not have to say the F-word, we do not have to pump and grind, we do not have to some of these things to have longevity in our career."
The legendary performer was feted with a multi-song tribute. Erykah Badu got it started with her cover of "Love Hangover", whose bassline and chorus has now become legendary to generations of gay men across the world. Others paying tribute to Ross included fellow Motown legend Stevie Wonder and R&B queen Chaka Khan, and her five children, including actors Tracee Ellis Ross and young, fabulous and gay-friendly Evan Ross.
Oh, I loved that Jennifer Holiday and Jennifer Hudson duet. Definitely set the pace for the show.
Posted by: Greg | 27 June 2007 at 13:22
The Diana Ross tribute certainly was classy. She has set a high bar for this younger generation.
Posted by: ATL Kid | 27 June 2007 at 13:24
Fabulous recap. Especially thankful that you didn't mention Beyonce, lol.
Posted by: Joshua R | 27 June 2007 at 13:32
I loved the Diana Ross tribute, go on now Eryka Badu, loved that huge 'fro! Miss Ross and her kids, all have a unique look to say the least, even though I just love Tracee.
The show was actually better than usual, not as low brow as most of the BET "awards" are.
Fiddy? Changed the channel for that "song." Can only "watch" him from the neck down, and with the mute on otherwise.
Posted by: Luther | 27 June 2007 at 13:39
Diana really won some respect from me last night. I love her music and movies, but I gotta say I was never hot on her as a personality. But she radiated something different last night ... I can't explain it. I loved that she acknoweldged her Motown fam, Berry, the Supremes and especially Mary Wilson. Definitely a damn good look. I missed the musical tribute though, I'm gonna try to watch it on You Tube tonight.
Posted by: Me | 27 June 2007 at 13:57
I don't want to be a Diana Ross fan but it's difficult not to after that tribute.
Posted by: Franklyn Smith | 28 June 2007 at 00:07
Love the recap.
Posted by: greg g | 28 June 2007 at 00:19
Did you see how Miss Holliday held onto that note as long as she could? JHud gave her a look like, "Come onm now..."
Posted by: derrick | 28 June 2007 at 00:30
You gotta admit tho' that at one point, JenHolliday looked like a ravenous bear about to eat her young.
Posted by: BAM BAM | 28 June 2007 at 12:57
Ross was and will always be The Boss. Luv that fact that Chaka paid homage to her Aries sista.
Posted by: BAM BAM | 28 June 2007 at 13:00
Jennifer Hudson yall Performance was off the hook. I just want u to know that i am one of your biggest fans and u have a beautiful voice.
Posted by: Brandi Burrell | 28 June 2007 at 16:26
Yall did great
Posted by: Breanna Finkley | 28 June 2007 at 16:28
I agree with Luther, 50-waist down and muted. I enjoyed the two highlights of the evening Jen Holliday/Hudson. It looked like at one point that Chaka was struggling with the words, but thank God for crowd participation. All of Diana's kids are beautiful, especially the boys *grinning*. I also like the moving tribute to Gerald Levert. All in all it was a great show, suprisingly for me, even without Janet.
Posted by: Mark | 28 June 2007 at 19:26
Excellently covered, my friend. I didnt see the award show, but after reading the highlights here...it felt like I was there. I wish I had a nickle to throw at 50...that's all that man deserves. All that cuzzin', like Ms. Ross said, ain't called for. LOL.
Thanks again for the post.
Posted by: J. Matt | 29 June 2007 at 09:02
BET Awards show was good. Loved Diana Ross. Her children are beautiful. They look different but the same and favor their mother. She is so blessed to have them all with her.
Posted by: TIme4All | 29 June 2007 at 11:56
BET Awards show was good. Loved Diana Ross. Her children are beautiful. They look different but the same and favor their mother. She is so blessed to have them all with her.
Posted by: TIme4All | 29 June 2007 at 11:58
I think Ross was on point. She's sitting there with her toddler-aged nephews and 50 Cent comes on cussing like a drunk sailor. When he walks into the audience you can see an icy look on her face; she can't even look at him. What I want to know is why do the record execs get a free ride? They are the ones telling black artists that they must be "thugs" or "whores" in order to sell records. Why is that the only template available?
Posted by: BeachBum62 | 29 June 2007 at 16:58