The 2012 BET Awards took place at the beautiful Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles’ last night and some of the big winner’s included Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Jay Z and Beyonce.
Michael Buckner/Getty Images
West opened up the show with G.O.O.D. music group, which included Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz. Moments later, Samuel L. Jackson, the show’s host, was joined by Spike Lee as they did a comedic version of Jay-Z and West’s hit song ” In Paris.”
The most anticipated moment of the night was the tribute to Whitney Houston. Led by her mother, Cissy Houston, the emotional segment saw Mariah Carey and Houston’s castmates from “Waiting To Exhale” musing about their bond.
Monica and Brandy also gave show-stopping performances before Houston’s mother performed “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in front of a large graphic of her and her daughter singing together. She, and the audience, shed tears.
The moving tribute came after a performance by gospel artist Yolanda Adams, who had some words of wisdom for artists in the wake of Houston’s death.
“We need all of y’all.… I’m saying the world. Please make sure you’re using your gift responsibly, wisely. We’re all watching,” she said as she clutched her trophy for best gospel artist.
