Taraji P. Henson hosted the 2022 BET Awards for the second year in a row in Los Angeles on Sunday, Essence reports. The star-studded event included shocking moments, inspiring performances and heartfelt tributes.

Here are some of the top moments from the BET Awards.

BET honored Kevin Samuels with a tribute.

The 2022 BET Awards included a tribute to Kevin Samuels, the controversial YouTuber who died in May. Samuels’ photo appeared on the big screen at the awards show as BET paid homage to some of the celebrities who died in the past year.

While some praised BET for honoring Samuels, others bashed the network for paying homage to the controversial YouTuber, who had gained a reputation for spewing questionable comments about women in particular.

 

Tems took home multiple awards.

It was an epic night for Nigerian singer Tems, who joined Justin Bieber and Wizkid to take the award for best collaboration. The trio earned recognition for their hit song “Essence.”

Tems also earned the BET Award for best international act.

The Nigerian singer dedicated her award to women who “dare to dream.”

“Where I’m from, things like this don’t happen,” she said. “This is a dream. As you’re watching me, I want you to imagine yourself as me because you are meant to be here too.”

Jack Harlow took a stand for Lil Nas X.

Jack Harlow showed off his Lil Nas X shirt at the BET Awards, making a statement for his friend who was excluded from the program.

Chlöe Bailey mesmerized the audience.

Chlöe Bailey captivated the audience with her performance at the BET Awards. The singer put on a seductive lap dance for one of her male dancers while performing a rendition of her new single, “Surprise,” Billboard reports.

The Grammy-nominated musician continued to mesmerize her fans with a performance of her song “Treat me,” released in April.

Diddy thanked his ex while Yung Miami held up a sign for him.

While receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Diddy gave a shoutout to his ex, Cassie.

“I was in a dark place for a few years. I have to give a special shoutout, thank you, love, to the people that was really there for me,” Diddy said. “And also Cassie, for holding me down in the dark times, love.”

The singer’s current girlfriend, Yung Miami, watched from the crowd, holding up a sign reading, “GO PAPI!”

 

Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music uplifted the audience.

Legendary gospel singer Kirk Franklin joined Maverick City Music to deliver a captivating performance at the BET Awards.

The artists first performed “Kingdom” from their new album, Kingdom Book One, BET reports. The group then performed Franklin’s 1995 hit single “Melodies From Heaven.”

 

Mariah Carey made a surprise appearance.

Mariah Carey shockingly appeared on the stage during Latto’s performance. Carey joined Latto to perform the remix to “Big Energy,” the single that originally was released in 2021, according to Pitchfork.

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