LOS ANGELES — It was a night of comebacks at the BET Awards, none more unexpected than Chris Brown performing an emotional tribute to Michael Jackson. The embattled pop star has mostly kept a low profile since pleading guilty to felony assault for beating up Rihanna in February 2009.
Sunday’s ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium began with another comeback: Kanye West opened the show in his first TV appearance since dissing Taylor Swift at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards.
Drake, who was named best male hip-hop artist, performed his hit “Thank Me Later.” Alicia Keys performed a medley of her hits, bookended by two awards. She won for female R&B artist and best collaboration for her song with Jay-Z, “Empire State of Mind.”
The BET Awards honor the year’s best in music, sports and film in 19 categories.
The winner list is as follows:
Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys
Best Male R&B Artist: Trey Songz
Best Gospel: Marvin Sapp
Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Drake
Best Group: Young Money
Best New Artist: Nicki Minaj
Best Collaboration: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind
Video of the Year: Beyoncé featuring Lady Gaga – Video Phone
Best Actress: Mo’Nique
Best Actor: Idris Elba
YoungStars Award: Keke Palmer
Best Movie: Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Subway Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
Subway Sportsman of the Year: LeBron James
Viewers Choice Nominees: Rihanna featuring Young Jeezy – Hard
Centric Award: Monica
Best International Act: Dizzee Rascal (UK)
