At the 2024 BET Awards, Will Smith debuts a new song and Usher receives recognition.
Connie Orlando and Dionne Harmon, two show executives, hint to the much awaited BET Awards moment this Sunday.
The 2024 BET Awards, often known as Culture’s Biggest Night, will feature some of the hottest talents in the music business. With the yearly show on Sunday, fans have a lot to look forward to, including Lauryn Hill, Victoria Monét, GloRilla, Latto, and more taking the stage after Megan Thee Stallion opens the evening’s festivities.
When ET spoke with Connie Orlando and Dionne Harmon, show executives, they discussed the forthcoming programme and why they think this year’s is the best yet, starting with Taraji P. Henson, who is hosting for the third time.
“She shows up and she’s so excited — she’s more excited than we are sometimes with the ideas,” Orlando told ET. “She is imaginative. Because Taraji is the whole package and truly enriches the programme, our audience adores her, and we are thrilled to have her back.”
She will include all of that into the performance.”
The Golden Globe-winning actress honoured several notable Black women who have influenced popular culture when hosting the 2021 BET Awards. Zendaya, Jazmine Sullivan, Issa Rae, and “Queen” Maxine Waters were among the ladies who received roses from the 53-year-old Henson during her riveting opening monologue. Throughout the performance, she also wore a variety of outfits that recognised and honoured the appearance and styles of several avant-garde artists.
As the official host of the annual awards presentation in 2022, Henson raised awareness to the Supreme Court’s ruling to reverse Roe v. Wade, the historic decision that upheld the right to an abortion.
Henson previously hinted to ET that the opening of this year’s event will feature a “cool AF” surprise.
“Ah, master. You folks get to see just one more aspect of my talent,” she chuckled. You’re going to witness a great deal. For many of my followers who were unaware that I was capable of doing this, it will be yet another surprise. Though not on Culture’s Biggest Night, I have done it before. I believe this skill will be seen by more people.”
Watch Taraji P. Henson Get Excited About Usher, Will Smith, Ice Spice, and More Performers at the BET Awards
Although Henson has not yet begun official preparations for the surprise, she stated that she is practicing it in “mirror moments at home, in my sleep, in my head, every waking moment, just so that it’s in my body, so when I get on the stage, it’s second nature.”
When asked about Henson’s surprise, Orlando and Harmon play coy, but the latter claims it’s “easily one of my favourite parts of the whole show.”
The pair tells ET that Henson’s opening number is a part of the evening’s overall theme. “I think the women are leading this year’s show, like the performances [and] the nominations too, so it’s a night for the women,” Orlando states. “Like we’re coming out, they’re performing and it’s gonna be an amazing show.”
Harmon continues, saying that each year the production crew aims to “one-up ourselves” and provide “those [big] moments.”
Usher’s acceptance of this year’s coveted Lifetime Achievement BET Award, which is given to innovators and game-changers in the industry who have had a significant influence on entertainment and culture, is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the evening. The 45-year-old will be added to the group of former winners of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, which also includes Busta Rhymes, Samuel Jackson, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Anita Baker, and Samuel Jackson.
Regarding the singer’s cultural influence, Orlando remarks, “He started when he was 14 and to see his whole journey, he’s done it all.” “His Las Vegas residency with My Way served as evidence of his catalogue.” He’s a superstar and a world-renowned entertainer.”
Harmon says, “Yeah, he is the culture.” “We’ve grown up with him, and it’s amazing to see how he went from being an adolescent to becoming a worldwide celebrity. I collaborated with him [during his headline performance at the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show] and watched the show in Vegas at least six times, but this is something he’s always desired and something that’s really important to him.”
Orlando and Harmon have not disclosed the specifics of the celebration, but Usher’s big moment will feature a special tribute that showcases the “Love in this Club” artist’s triumphs throughout music, cinema, and TV.
“We’re tight-lipped over here because we want everyone to tune in but it’s something you’ve never seen before,” Orando says. It’s not the same. It’s so amazing, yet it’s not what everybody expects. I urge everyone to observe and pay attention.”
