 The BET Awards hit the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday night (June 27), and while the Young Money crew probably won some of the biggest awards, it wasn't the awards that were the show's highlights. It was the performances ... and there were a lot of good ones.
First, of course, Kanye West opened the show with his new single, T.I. performed with Travis Barker backing him on the drums, Diddy brought out Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj for the "Hello, Good Morning (Remix)," and even Eminem graced the stage for a performance of his new single "Not Afraid."
But, in the end, it was Chris Brown's emotional tribute to Michael Jackson that nabbed the spotlight.
Since being found guilty of assault for beating up his then-girlfriend Rihanna in February 2009, Brown has kept a low profile ... but he finally made his return to the awards show stage this Sunday, mimicking the late Michael Jackson's dances moves while a medley of his songs played -- including "Remember the Time" and "Billie Jean".
The singer wore MJ's trademark fedora, bandaged fingers, high-water pants, and a spangled glove. He even moonwalked across the stage. Then later, as he grabbed a microphone to sing "Man in the Mirror," Brown broke down in tears. His voice cracked, he couldn't sing, and at one point, dropped to his knees.
The performance was so moving, it as if everyone forget the Rihanna incident that has since tarnished his image.
"Chris killed that. He left his heart on the stage. He gave genuine emotion. I was proud of him and I was happy for him for having that moment," Trey Songz told MTV later. "He did that justice. Everybody's been waiting for that."
Later Brown was presented with the fan-voted AOL Fandemonium award, apologizing for letting everyone down in past and vowing to make up for it.
"I let ya'll down before, but I won't do it again," he said. "I promise."
He won the honor over Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz and Justin Beiber.
As mentioned, Kanye West opened the 2010 BET Awards with a performance of his new single "Power," rocking an all-red ensemble and a ENORMOUS gold chain. It was his first TV performance since his infamous stage crashing of Taylor Swift's speech at last year's MTV VMAs.
T.I. also made his return to television in his first TV performance since being released from prison in December. Backed by Travis Barker on drums, T.I. performed "Yeah Ya Know," and later returned to the stage to assist with Diddy-Dirty Money's "Hello, Good Morning" alongside Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj.
Speaking of Nicki Minaj, she won two BET Awards Sunday evening -- one for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and another for Best New Artist. During her speech, she thanks Lil Wayne for putting her on and gave a shoutout to the female rappers that paved the way before her.
"I think it's so important right now for positive energy among women," she said. "I'm fighting for women.
"Thank you to all the female rappers that paved the way for me," Nicki added.
That wasn't all the awards the Young Money crew would get. Drake landed the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist award, while the Young Money collective won honors for Best Group.
Eminem also performed "Not Afraid," and later returned with B.o.B for "Airplanes," alongside Keyshia Cole.
Other performances included Drake with "Thank Me Later," Usher with "There Goes My Baby," Alicia Keys with a medley of hits, Janelle Monae with "Let's Go Crazy," Patti LaBelle with "Purple Rain," and El DeBarge also made a comeback.
There were a number of other performances during the 3 1/2 hour show, making it seem as though the awards were secondary.
Below were the night's winners:
- Viewers Choice: Rihanna ("Hard" ft. Young Jeezy)
- Best Collaboration: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys ("New York")
- Best New Artist: Nicki Minaj
- Best Group: Young Money
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Drake
- Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys
- Best Male R&B Artist: Trey Songz
- Best Gospel Artist: Marvin Sapp
- AOL Fandemonium Award: Chris Brown
- Youngstars Award: Keke Palmer
- Best Actress: Mo'nique
- Best Actor: Idris Elba
- Best Movie: "Precious"
- Centric Award: Monica
- Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
- Sportsman of the Year: Lebron James
- Best International Act: Dizzee Rascal
- Video of the Year: Beyonce & Lady Gaga ("Telephone")
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