Usher accepts BET Lifetime Award

At the BET Awards on Sunday night (June 30), Usher received the 2024 BET Lifetime Achievement Award.

Legendary songwriting duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis took the stage first to remember Usher’s enduring talent, which began in his youth, before launching into a tribute video that reflected on Usher’s decades-long career. Jennifer Hudson, Jermaine Dupri, Janelle Monáe, Toni Braxton and many of the singer’s peers spoke about his influence and cross-generational talent as a dancer, singer, songwriter and artist who has consistently produced some of the most unforgettable hits of our time.

Following the video, some of the most exciting talents from hip-hop, pop and R&B came together to perform a medley of Usher’s most famous songs.

Childish Gambino sang an angelic version of “U Don’t Have to Call,” which can be found on his 2014 mixtape STN-MTNbefore Keke Palmer stepped in for a rendition of “You Make Me Wanna,” even dropping her pants.

Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chloe and Tinashe then continued the performance, taking the stage to “Good Good,” “There Goes My Baby,” “Confessions,” “Good Kisser” and “Nice and Slow.” Victoria Monét and Teyana Taylor then recreated Usher’s iconic rendition of “Bad Girl” before Latto closed out the run with a rap to “Yeah!”