While captivating audiences with her stunning live debut of the highly anticipated single “Long Time,” Teyana Taylor also enjoyed a delightful and flirty evening out with her new love interest, Aaron Pierre. The talented actor from Mufasa, who is set to star alongside Teyana in her upcoming Escape Room visual album, was seen wrapping his arms around her, both reveling in the night filled with extraordinary performances and shared moments of joy, embodying the essence of love and celebration amidst the glamor of the awards.

Though cameras captured glimpses of their infectious camaraderie early in the show, Doechii and Keke Palmer, both nominees at the event on June 9, emerged as the most entertaining celebrity pairing of the night. The atmosphere felt slightly subdued this year; however, these two talented ladies singing along together with genuine enthusiasm brought a refreshing energy that more than compensated for the quieter vibe in the room.

In fact, Keke should seriously consider casting Doechii in the next One of Them Days movie, especially now that a sequel has been confirmed! Their dynamic was not only entertaining but highlighted the strong connections and friendships that can flourish in the entertainment industry.

As Ciara introduced Teyana Taylor’s electrifying performance, Taraji P. Henson was elevated 20 feet above the stage, holding a dramatic bouquet of fake roses that were ablaze. The flames flickered throughout Ciara’s entire speech, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle that added to the excitement leading into Taylor’s set. Henson executed her elevated performance with remarkable poise, perhaps inspired by GloRilla‘s memorable stunt hanging from the ceiling during her Project 2025 Awareness speech at last year’s awards, proving her versatility and stage presence.

In the midst of what is already considered one of the most successful hip-hop tours in history, Kendrick Lamar managed to return to his hometown of Los Angeles to accept five new awards. His presence was a delightful surprise, as he was neither announced as a performer nor a presenter, and even those on the red carpet were unaware of his attendance. Many attendees were not expecting to see him or SZA due to their busy Grand National Tour schedule, which added to the excitement when he unexpectedly emerged.

When Keke Palmer announced the winner for Album of the Year, and Kendrick walked gracefully from his seat to the stage, the audience at the Peacock Theater erupted in enthusiastic applause. The energy in the room shifted dramatically, with every eye turning to capture the moment, ultimately granting Kendrick the night’s most vigorous recognition of a non-Ultimate Icon Award winner. Interestingly, the camera panned to SZA, who had earlier skipped her opportunity to accept her award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement and curiosity.

During her impactful acceptance speech for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Doechii boldly shifted her focus from her inaugural BET Award to address the intense protests against ICE occurring just blocks away from the Peacock Theatre. Her passionate words resonated deeply with the audience as she stated, “I do wanna address what’s happening right now outside of the building. There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order.”

She continued, addressing the use of military force to quell protests, urging the audience to reflect on the implications of such actions: “What type of government is that?” The response in the room was mixed; while a portion of the audience cheered and stood in support, others appeared visibly uncomfortable with the political undertones of her message. This reaction highlighted the complex relationship between entertainment and activism, especially given the proximity of the ongoing unrest outside the venue.

As Ashanti, Mýa, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Keyshia Cole, T.I., and Bow Wow delivered a powerful tribute to 106 & Park, an unfortunate situation unfolded outside where nearly a hundred audience members were unable to enter the theater during the opening performance. This delayed seating was likely a result of production protocols, but it was an unfortunate experience for many eager fans and attendees hoping to witness the celebration live.

It wasn’t only non-celebrities caught in this predicament; even notable figures like Kyla Pratt, known for her role in Proud Family, were among those left to navigate the crowd outside. Additionally, popular streamer and Billboard cover star Kai Cenat and his entourage documented the chaotic scene live, adding an unexpected layer of entertainment to the frustrating situation for those waiting to enter.

Jamie Foxx’s tribute, featuring an incredible lineup including Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Ludacris, T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh, and Tank, was undoubtedly the highlight of the Ultimate Icon Award presentations, showcasing the multifaceted talent of Foxx in acting, stand-up, and music.

However, it was Jennifer Hudson‘s surprise appearance that truly electrified the audience. As she performed “Gold Digger,” her powerhouse vocals commanded the room, drawing every attendee to their feet in awe. Much like her breathtaking rendition of “Purple Rain” in tribute to Prince at the 2016 BET Awards, Hudson’s entrance was a memorable moment that set the stage ablaze with emotion and energy, proving that she remains one of the most dynamic performers in the industry.