RECAP: THE 2010 BET AWARDS

So, Black Entertainment Television (BET) celebrated 10 years of showcasing "Black Star Power" on Sunday, June 27, 2010. The event featured top talent and if I dare say so, was the best BET Award show in recent memory. It flowed well (no real gaps or interruptions) and the performances were truly memorable and flawless.

Hosted by Queen Latifah (with her various character transitions, she provided tons of laughs and set a great overall tone). Announcements were flavored by the infamous MC Lyte who had great energy and looked good doing it and doing it well. With the talented mix of "old skool" and "new skool" artists, this edition has truly set a standard for the network moving forward. Adding to a well rounded line-up, was the Humanitarian Award earned by John Legend and a salute to Local Heroes - which Jeffrey Canada took home, for his work towards education reform via his organization, Harlem Children's Zone, Inc.

Sunday's presentation proved that the BET Awards have finally grown up! The tribute to Prince featuring Patti Labelle, Alicia Keys, Janelle Monae, & Esperanza Spalding, ended with the obligatory Patti shoe kick off into the audience and into the hands of Prince which left me screaming - Insurance policy! Then, Chris Brown's Michael Jackson salute which concluded with Brown breaking down into tears - during the vocal part, got me to thinking; if that was not a planned stunt (even if it was), it will go down in music history as the best d**n comeback moment ever and a Publicist's dream. Now, on to the remembering Teddy Pendergrass and Tyrese Gibson who represented quite well - all I'm gonna say is pass me a "Black Tye" any day. Finally, El Debarge proved that he certainly has not lost a beat as he performed his medley of 80's classics. How old is El again? I mean, I'm just saying.

The new Hip Hop "It" girl and winner of Best Female Hip Hop ArtistAward Nicki Minaj - took a moment to thank the female MC's that came before, helping to blaze a path for her own success - soooo, I hope Lil Kim was listening? Thinking about Woman Power once again, I have got to go back to Alicia Keys' amazing moment as she represented for the "Sexy Mama's." Not only did Keys perform Prince's "Adore" crawling and dancing a top her infamous piano (almost causing Prince a coronary), she put on her stilettos and mini-dress to deliver (yes play on words) her "Unthinkable" anthem! Good grief, I'm sure expectant Daddy Swizz Beatz was like OMG (Oh My Gosh)! Oh yes, that was a nice segue into Usher, Trey Songz, Drake and Diddy (with his group Dirty Money) who also performed. Finally, I have to say that it was nice to see Gospel artists incorporated in this show with the Haiti Tribute, headlined by Kirk Franklin performing, "Are You Listening," and assisted by Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Kim Burrell and Yolanda Adams. Shoot, I'm thinking as much as artists get up and thank GOD and their Mamas all day when they receive awards, they needed to have some "chutch" up on that stage - lol!

Overall, the evening was quite memorable and well executed by the BET Team. Now, if you missed the 10^th Annual BET Awards show, you can rest assured that if you check your local listings, BET will be playing it over and over again until the 11^th annual show - lol.

Until next time, enjoy some highlights from the Awards on BET.com.