By Audrey J. Bernard

    Taraji P. Henson hosted the 2021 BET Awards show on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and had more changes than Diana Ross!  Ironically, Ross was the first look she imitated in her tribute to Black women who’ve inspired her including Erykah Badu, Betty Boop (who is Black), H.E.R. and Tina Turner.  Henson nailed each look!

    The “Power” star entered the room looking like a boss diva lowered onstage from above on a swing.  “This is how a bitch is supposed to enter a room,” she said to the roar of the crowd who were all vaccinated before entering the venue.  This was the first live show since the pandemic began and folks were happy to be out and see each other.  Attendees were dressed to the nines.

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    The women looked stunning and the men were handsome; and everyone came to have a good time and party.  And no one held their joy back!  “Celebrating Black women isn’t a fad or a trend it’s a forever mood” Henson said, opening up the show. “There is more than enough room for all of us to thrive, because can’t nobody be like me and can’t nobody be you like you.” 

 There were several joyful outbursts during this exquisite celebration of Black Culture.  Cardi B.’s captivating performance onstage with Migos bared her baby bump in a blinged-out cutout bodysuit by Dolce & Gabbana revealing that she and husband Offset are expecting their second child was received with thunderous applause.

    But the act which had everyone clutching their pearls was Lil Nas X who ended his Egyptian-themed rendition of “Montero” with a steamy kiss with one of his male backup dancers.  It rocked the audience and several audience members gave him a standing ovation.  Black Twitter went wild!  He even received a Tweet from Diddy who wrote, “Be Fearless!”

Hip Hop History was made with the tribute to rap legend DMX by Swizz Beatz, the Lox, Busta Rhymes, Method Man and several Ruff Ryder OGs who performed in a stunning tribute to him featuring Griselda and Michael K. Williams.

    Lastly, Queen Latifah was honored with the 2021 BET Lifetime Achievement Award for her “amazing success” throughout her decades-long career.  Rap Royalty Lil Kim, Rapsody, MC Lyte and Monie Love performed some of her hits before she was joined on stage by her father, Lancelot Owens, Sr. to accept the honor.  Queen Latifah held a photo of her late mother Rita while giving her speech and expressing her gratitude. “I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful Blackness to thrive, to shine,” Queen Latifah said.  “When we couldn’t get played on the radio in other places, we couldn’t get our videos played in other places, there was BET that allowed us to be in our fullness.”  For a list of winners go to BET Awards.com.  (Photos by Getty Images)