2009 BET Awards!!!

The 2009 BET awards and Michael Jackson tribute occurred this past weekend in LA at the famous Shrine Auditorium. This year I had good seats right where I can watch the entire show. While I've read so many updates about the awards - how bad they were, how they didn't pay homage to Michael Jackson, how bad Beyonce's performance was, etc I have to say the energy in the room was all love.

The awards hosted by Jamie Foxx had everyone and I mean everyone from Beyonce, Jay Z, Tyra Banks, Lil Wayne, Drake, and Puffy to Lebron James, the O'Jays, Ray J, and Snoop in the house. I'll post a couple observations that you did NOT see at home:

1. During Don Cornelius' long, boring, dry, and senial speech, actress/comedienne Jennifer Lewis made gestures of killing herself. While outsiders would say it was tacky, those who know Jennifer know that's just her. I must say Jennifer, I too wanted to do the same!

2. Drake sat in the chair throughout his performance because he recently tore his ACL. He did not go up on stage when Wayne won because he could barely walk without his cane. Although he wasn't as flashy as Weezy, he was the most popular person in the room, and he took a pic with Beyonce that I MUST get a copy of!

3. When Beyonce came out to perform, drag queen Keri Hilson sat in her chair when everyone else got up. Hmm, Beyonce did win Female Artist of the year right? RIGHT.

I have to be honest and say that BET did a phenomenal job pulling together a show within 2 days of Michael's passing. While I do agree that Jamie Foxx and NeYo sang way too much, I'm sure it was because they needed to fill time. I wanted more like a 'We are the World' tribute, or Madonna to come out, but I realized something. Nothing they could have done would have been enough. I did believe the peformances with 90's groups, the tribute to the O'Jay's by Tyrese, Trey Songz, and Johnny Gill was off the chain. That said, they better not create another LSG!

And did you see Monica's return??!! Banana's right! First and foremost, big ups to Keyshia Cole for being humble enough to allow Monica a forum to deliver such a hot performance. I'm just hoping that Monica drops an album soon before everyone forgets!

Lastly, everyone has had something to say about Beyonce's performance. Let's get this clear, BET is getting better and better every year. Beyonce's performace of Ava Maria is a song and performance she is currently doing on tour. Not only did she sound amazing, but she sung the end in French! I say, upgrade your swag and overcome the desire to see Beyonce in drag every time she performs because she was perfect!

That said, I've posted some pictures of people on the red carpet! Enjoy

Here are some pictures I took on the red carpet using my iPhone!

Our Generations Diana Ross, Beyonce Knowles!

I remember the first time I heard Beyonce sing. It was several years ago and at that time she was in the group we all know "Destiny's Child." I must say that although the song was catchy and the girls were fly, I wasn't a fan. Later on the group wen on to create smash hits topping the charts and winning award after award. As their music grew, I felt like I was growing with them.

I've been privileged and I mean that, PRIVILEGED to have met Beyonce several times. I remember once when I was in Hawaii with my family and friend on vacation and while at the pool I got a call from my good friend Choreographer/Dancer Tyrell Washington. He asked me if I wanted to see the show (The Beyonce Experience) in Nashville the next day! Since it was late notice and poor timing, I PACKED MY MOTHERFUCKING BAGS AND HIT IT TO NASHVILLE, TENNESEE!

My family was immediately shocked that I was flying all 4 of us out there, but hell, wouldn't you?! I stopped at the airport in Honolulu and bought her a lay (those flowers you put around your neck). They were real pretty too like a purplish and white. Anyhow, we got drunk on the plane and arrived that morning. After a shopping spree we went to the show and afterwards, there she was! Although I didn't get to talk to her this time, she allowed only my little brother who wasn't a Beyonce believer to go and she her. When he came back he was mezmorized by her natural beauty.

There are many more Beyonce stories that I have but I'll save those for later. All I can say is that if the saying "you are defined by who you surround yourself with" is true, BEYONCE is the best. Her staff, dancers, and band members that are my friends Ty Hunter, Kim Burse, Tyrell Washington, Divinity, Nikki, Bibi, etc are all amazing people. I mean A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

I can't wait to see the show this year and if I get backstage again (which I'm hoping I will) I'll try to bring as much exclusive footage as possible. Until then recognize, this is our Diana Ross and we should revel in this experience for as long as we can because when our kids are older they'll be talking about her too!