From Kanye West honoring Diddy, to Brandy joining Jack Harlow on the stage, the BET Awards 2022 had a few delightful surprises, invigorating performances, and a myriad of legends in the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA on Sunday (June 26). Latto, formerly known as Mulatto, won her first award at the celebratory event. The “Big Energy” artist took home the award for Best New Artist in which she showed her gratitude by giving a tearful speech thanking her mother and her beau.
Later on in the night, Latto rejuvenated fans with the ultimate surprise duet as “Big Energy” inspiration Mariah Carey hit the stage to do a snippet of her 90’s chart-topping single “Fantasy.” An elated Latto then paid respects to the Grammy-winning singer, giving her a bouquet of flowers and a confetti shower.
Taraji P. Henson hosted the “biggest night for culture” that saw Sean “Diddy” Combs obtain the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Babyface and Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. A tribute in his honor featured some of Bad Boy Records legendary roster, such as Mary J. Blige, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, and The Lox, along with artists Jodeci, Busta Rhymes, Bryson Tiller, and The Maverick City Choir.
Other winners of the night are below:
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – Jazmine Sullivan
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – The Weeknd
Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Megan the Stallion
Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year – Anderson Paak
Best Collaboration – Wizkid & Tems (Essence)
Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin (We Win)
BETHer Award – Mary J Blige (Good Morning, Gorgeous)
Best International Artist Award – TEMS
YoungStars Award – Marsai Martin
Best Actress – Zendaya
Best Actor – Will Smith
Best Movie – King Richard
Video of the Year – Silk Sonic (Smokin’ Out the Window) & Baby Kem & Kendrick Lamar (Family Ties)
Album of the Year – An Evening With Silk Sonic
Best Group – Silk Sonic
Sportswoman of the Year Award – Naomi Osaka
Sportsman of the Year Award – Steph Curry
