BET Awards 2024: Memorable Moments That Took Over Social Media

The 2024 BET Awards, held on June 30, brought together some of the most talented Black artists in the industry, honoring their achievements and impact on Black pop culture. The event was highly anticipated, particularly after the historic writers’ strike of 2023, which affected last year’s event. Actress and repeat host Taraji P. Henson, a supporter of the strike, skipped last year’s show in solidarity, making her return this year a highlight.

The night was filled with unforgettable performances and heartfelt speeches. One of the most talked-about moments was Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Award speech, which was censored during the official broadcast. Some attendees recorded and uploaded the full speech to X, sparking disappointment among viewers who missed out on the majority of it.

Other meme-worthy moments included Will Smith’s electrifying performance of his new single “You Can Make It,” surrounded by a ring of flames. This wasn’t his first time performing at an award show; he and long-time friend DJ Jazzy Jeff recently performed together at the Grammy’s to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Taraji P. Henson also stole the show with her parody of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” bringing the house down with her fierce energy and undeniable swag. In true Henson fashion, she “popped out” and set the tone for the night, complete with a gold grill.

The Usher Tribute, featuring a 16-minute performance with a female-heavy lineup of emerging artists and OGs, was another standout moment. The tribute included Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chloe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monet, and Latto, all putting their own twist on some of Usher’s most iconic songs.

Finally, Donald Glover’s comments about not receiving an award had the internet talking. In his trademark humor, he joked, “I have more Grammys than Will Smith but I have the same amount of BET Awards as Sam Smith. Does that make sense to yall? If I have to do a Baby Boy remake let me know, I’ll have Jonathan Majors put me in headlock.”

These memorable moments from the BET Awards 2024 are sure to be etched in the minds of fans and attendees alike, and will likely continue to generate conversation and memes on social media for weeks to come.