Megan Thee Stallion, H.E.R. and Jazmine Sullivan were among the big winners at the 2021 BET Awards, which aired live Sunday night from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
Actress Taraji P. Henson hosted the star-studded event, which honors the best and the brightest in Black music, culture and entertainment.
This year's theme was "Year of the Black Woman."
MORE: Cardi B announces she is pregnant with her 2nd child at 2021 BET AwardsAfter a performance of her new song, “Thot S---,” Megan took home three of the biggest awards of the night: best female hip hop artist, viewer's choice award for the "Savage" remix featuring Beyonce and video of the year for her "WAP" collaboration with Cardi B.
You voted, we listened congrats to @theestallion on winning the viewer's choice award. #BETAwards #CulturesBiggestNight pic.twitter.com/SfKmQbFTmj
— #BETAwards (@BETAwards) June 28, 2021
Meanwhile, Cardi B surprised everyone by revealing her baby bump while performing “Type S---" alongside her husband Offset and Quavo and Takeoff of Migos.
OMG!!!!!! @iamcardib breaking some MAJOR news! Pregnant and slaying 🤩#BETAwards #CulturesBiggestNight pic.twitter.com/CCF5P8h8rt
— #BETAwards (@BETAwards) June 28, 2021
This marks Cardi’s second child with husband Offset and her second time announcing her pregnancy on a live television show. Cardi announced her first pregnancy with the couple’s now 2-year-old daughter, Kulture, on "Saturday Night Live" in 2018.
MORE: Chloe Bailey discusses her admiration for Nina Simone and her take on 'Feeling Good'For his debut performance at the awards show, Moneybagg Yo performed his single “Wockesha,” and his hit single, "Time Today." The star-studded evening also included lively performances from DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, Tyler, The Creator, Lil Nas X, Andra Day, Silk Sonic, Lil Durk, DJ Khaled, The Lox, Method Man and more.
H.E.R., who wowed the audience with a show-stopping performance of "We Made It," also won the award for best female R&B/pop artist.
Congratulations @HERMusicX on winning Best Female R&B/Pop Artist! Red heart #BETAwards #CulturesBiggestNight pic.twitter.com/C8PUIihrkt
— #BETAwards (@BETAwards) June 28, 2021
Jazmine Sullivan brought out Rep. Maxine Waters and Ari Lennox during her performance. Sullivan also gave a heartfelt speech thanking her mother and all Black women after winning the award for album of the year for "Heaux Tales."
And the Album of the year goes to.... @jsullivanmusic 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 #BETAwards #CulturesBiggestNight pic.twitter.com/KimLzzRq6w
— #BETAwards (@BETAwards) June 28, 2021
"This award is bigger than me," Sullivan said during her acceptance speech. "It’s for all the women, all the Black women that are amazing and strong, that have inspired me all my life. I’m so glad that I was able to tell part of our stories. I hope I did y’all proud."
MORE: Singer Jazmine Sullivan explains how she plans to bring Soul back to R&BIn addition to performances, Henson kept the audience lively with celebratory comments about the impact of Black women. Henson also dressed up as Erykah Badu, Tina Turner and other inspiring women throughout the show.
Other notable highlights from the show include a tribute performance for the late rapper DMX and a tribute performance for Queen Latifah, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Female emcees Rapsody, Lil Kim, MC Lyte and Monie Love celebrated the artist and actress "who has been creating magic for decades" by performing her notable singles, "U.N.I.T.Y." and "Ladies First."
"I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful Blackness to thrive and shine," said Latifah during her acceptance speech.
Check out the full winners list below:
Album of the Year
Best Female R&B / Pop Artist
Best New Artist
Best Group
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
BET Her Award
Best International Act
Best New International Act
Viewer’s Choice Award
Video of the Year
Best Actress
Sportswoman of the Year Award
Sportsman of the Year Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Best Collaboration
Best Male R&B / Pop Artist
Video Director of the Year
Best Movie
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel / Inspirational Award
Best Actor
Youngstars Award
