Throughout the night, a number of the world’s biggest entertainers and changemakers made their way to the awards stage. Taraji P. Henson set the mood with her humor, Terrence J shined a light on young changemakers and Idris Elba and Will Packer presented a few awards. With all that went down at the Microsoft Theater, it’s hard to pick out a favorite moment or speech. Fortunately, viewers can relive all of the night’s best acceptance speeches below courtesy of BET.
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Winner: Jazmine Sullivan
Category: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
It’s hard to say that anyone has had a better 18-month run than Jazmine Sullivan. While her talent has always been undeniable, her latest project, Heaux Tales, elevated her presence to new heights. Not only did the project top the charts, but Jazmine Sullivan also went on to perform at the 2021 Super Bowl and tour the country. Tonight, she earned her moment in the sun at the 2022 BET Awards.
Best New Artist
Winner: Latto
Category: Best New Artist
It’s hard to believe that Latto was once a contestant on the music competition show, The Rap Game. Honing her skills under the direction of Jermaine Dupri, Latto blossomed into one of the most talented rap artists today. Years removed from the show, the Georgia native has gone on to solidify herself in the industry through records like “B*tch from da Souf” and “Big Energy.” With a worldwide tour alongside Lizzo ahead of her, Latto is on her way to the top as this year’s “Best New Artist.”
Best Collaboration
Winner(s): “Essence” by Wizkid and Tems featuring Justin Bieber
Category: Best Collaboration
Collaboration is key to creating great music. It’s at the core of what makes art what it is. Within the last year, Baby Keem teamed up with Kendrick Lamar to deliver “Family Ties” and Doja Cat connected with SZA to create “Kiss Me More.” However, no collaboration created as much buzz as “Essence” from Wizkid and Tems. Month after month, the Afrobeats classic continued to climb the charts until it reached the top spot. Tonight, it was honored as the “Best Collaboration” at the 2022 BET Awards.
BET HER Award
Winner: Mary J. Blige
Category: BET HER Award
It’s not often that an artist is able to win an award after securing lifetime achievement honors. However, Mary J. Blige is not like most other artists. More than two decades after delivering her debut album, the New York native is still active. She recently dropped an album, hosted her own women’s summit and announced a tour. In the midst of all that she has going on, Mary J. Blige stopped by the Microsoft Theater to receive the BET HER Award for her track, “Good Morning Gorgeous.”
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational
Winner(s): “We Win” by Kirk Franklin featuring Lil’ Baby
Category: Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational
Kirk Franklin is no stranger to the BET Awards stage. In fact, he opened up last year’s awards ceremony with a performance of “We Win” alongside Lil’ Baby. This year, his collaboration with the Quality Control signee earned him the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award. While Franklin was honored to receive the award, elected to share the moment with two rising Gospel groups, Maverick City and Elevation Worship.
Best International Act
Winner: Tems
Category: Best International Act
Tems is not new to the 2022 BET Awards stage. First, she picked up the “Best Collaboration” award alongside Wizkid and Justin Bieber. Not long thereafter, Tems returned to the stage to collect the “Best International Act” award. Having set the world ablaze “Essence,” “Free Mind,” “Damages” and several other tracks, she is simply getting started.
Young Mogul Award
Winner: Marsai Martin
Category: Young Mogul Award
It may be hard to believe, but Marsai Martin will turn 18 years old this summer. In a way, it feels like it was just yesterday that she appeared on Black-ish for the first time. Since then, she’s established herself as a television star, movie producer and all-around entrepreneur. Her continued efforts to revolutionize the entertainment industry earned her this year’s Young Mogul Award.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Diddy
Category: Lifetime Achievement Award
Three years ago, Mary J. Blige took home the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 BET Awards. This year, her close friend and collaborator, Sean “Diddy” Combs, did the same. Shortly after taking the stage to perform his endless catalog of hits, Diddy accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Kanye West and Babyface.
