2011 BET AWARDS Review *READ*

There is no better way to end Black Music Month then with the BET Awards.  The 2011 BET Awards took place hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, who did a good job holding the show together for the night.  

The shows opening entertainer was no other than the Queen of Hip Hop Soul herself Mary J. Blige who was long overdue for opening the show.  The singer opened the show by doing a medley of hits from her career.  She also shared the stage with Anita Baker who Mary gives much credit too.  Mary actually recorded Baker’s song “Caught Up in the Rapture” years ago in a mall singing booth.  That recording itself got Blige her record deal.  Giving 100% every chance given, Mary gave a great performance of classic hits and debut some new music reminded us of her essence in the music game, and why he has staying power. 

Two artist that seemed to be shinning stars last night were Rick Ross and Chris Brown.  Chris Brown gave a stellar performance among winning a few awards, one being the viewers choice award, and the other Best R&B Male artist.  It seems like no matter how many times we see him perform “Look at me Now” it never gets old.  The boy just seems to have a stage presence like no other.  BET was making a platform for Rick Ross’s career at last nights award show.  I believe he performed 3 or 4 different times throughout the show.  And out of all them performances I don’t believe anyone was actually any of his own songs.  He shared the stage with other artist every time. 

Celebrating her 10 year success in the music industry Alicia Keys performed new material along with songs from her debut album “Songs in a Minor”  She always shared the stage with newcomer singer/songwriter Bruno Mars.  The two turned her “A Woman’s Worth” into a nice duet pleasing to the ears.

Comedian/Radio Host Steve Harvey received the Humanitarian Award for his countless involvement and outreach for young men all around the world.  The Steve Harvey Foundation which has been a successful foundation changing lives of men young and old for the past few years.  His acceptance speech was one you wouldn’t expect from the former King of Comedy. However he decided that he would magnify the Lord and him only for allowing him to come thus far, and for the blessings he’s been given.

The best thing about the BET Awards is that anything can happen and anyone can end up performing.  So I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that fact that no other then the original Five Heartbeats graced the stage with After 7 (who were the actually singers/vocals of the movie) for a old school performance of “Nights Like This.”  We also were surprised with a from performance Cherelle & Alexander O’Neil.  The two reprised their hit “Saturday Love” and I admit that the two didn’t sound bad.  They gave a great performance.  Not sure where these two groups came into play with the show, but that’s how BET does things.  Their always willing to keep us young while reminding us of our past.

One thing we can always count on is BET paying respect for our musical artist that has gone home over the year, and doing such Ledisi did a fabulous job singing Teena Marie’s “Out on a Limb.”  I don’t think they could have found anyone else fitting for the job.  Also King Queen Latifah did a blazing rendition of Gil Scott Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”

Kelly Rowland decided that she will spread her wings once again for a solo career.  Her single “Motivation” has been doing extremely well on the charts for the past 4 months.  Her performance was good but it still lacked a little something.  It looked like a page out of Janet Jackson’s “I Get Lonely” video.  I understand there isn’t so much she was able to do with the slow song, but she does receive an “E” for effort. 

No other than Patti Labelle received the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Long time overdue, but she was front and center for her reward.  To start off her tribute was singer/rapper Cee-Lo Green.  Who I thought did a nice job of “Somebody Loves You Baby.”  Although he caught ridicule for his performance I think people fail to understand that he’s a guy. He was singing a Patti song and Patti is a stylized singer.  He held his own and bought a little humor to the performance with his wardrobe like he’s known to do.  Now Pastor Shirley Ceaser on the other hand did a decent job paying tribute to Patti, but that dress was not charming.  She looked like a mixture of  Glenda the Good Witch, Cinderella, and the Tooth Fairy.  She needs not to wear that dress ever again.  Last but not least Marsha Ambrosius gave a chilling rendition of  Patti’s “If Only You Knew.”  What else could you have expected from Marsha but for her to bring it

Nevertheless the show overall was good.  I thought Kevin Hart did and outstanding job hosting the show.  In past years BET has done a lot more with surprise performances, but we have to give them credit for even giving many of our artist acknowledgement for their effort in the music industry.  Every year people are always quick to trash talk BET for their award show.  What do you want from them?!  People rant that it was a waste of time and they need to do better.  What exactly are you looking for?!  Just be happy to the fact that they chose to give us our own award show, because they don’t have to.  And if they don’t then we will continue to be shunned at other award shows.  So just be happy!

Thanks for reading.  Comments are appreciated.