R&B icon Usher was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday night (June 30).
Super producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis delivered an introduction speech, followed by an honorary visual compilation featuring remarks from Usher’s mother, Jonnetta Patton, Toni Braxton, L.A. Reid, Janelle Monáe, Jermaine Dupri, Jennifer Hudson, and Kevin Hart.
Immediately following the visual, Childish Gambino kicked off Usher’s 16-minute tribute with a stripped-down version of “U Don’t Have to Call.”
Keke Palmer then appeared on stage, hitting all the moves from Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna…” video with a troupe of dancers. Afterward, Summer Walker performed “Good Good” from Usher’s ninth album, Coming Home. She is featured on the track along with rapper 21 Savage.
Coco Jones emerged from the aisle in the audience to deliver a sultry rendition of “There Goes My Baby” before Marsha Ambrosius sang “Superstar” from Confessions. Chlöe performed Usher’s funk-inspired “Good Kisser” and Tinashe wowed with “Nice & Slow.”
Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét set the stage ablaze with a steamy performance of “Bad Girl.” Rapper Latto helped close the tribute, rapping Ludacris’ verse from Usher’s No. 1 hit “Yeah!”
After the tribute, L.A. Reid and Babyface presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Usher.
The global star gracefully accepted the award before delivering a heartfelt, impromptu speech. In it, Usher covered various topics, including his early beginnings, abandonment from his father, the power of forgiveness and family, and much more.
“We’ve got to be willing to forgive. We’ve got to be willing to be open. I’m telling you, you’re standing before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up, ever,” Usher said. “And look what I made with it. Look what I was able to usher in. That’s what makes us human.”
A portion of the speech was censored in the live broadcast, reportedly due to profanity.
Usher, who also won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, was announced at this year’s Lifetime Achievement honoree in May. The award “commemorates industry pioneers who have powerfully shifted culture and the entertainment industry.”
Usher joins past award recipients Whitney Houston, James Brown, Prince, Charlie Wilson, and Mary J. Blige, among others.
“The relationship between BET and USHER spans decades, from his multiple appearances on 106 & Park, to most recently winning the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 55th NAACP Image Awards,” said Connie Orlando, BET’s executive vice president of specials, music programming and music strategy.
“From his chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and unforgettable vocals to his signature moves and sound, USHER continues to stand on culture, setting new standards for the music industry and Black Excellence. We look forward to creating an amazing lineup to pay tribute to our global icon.”
Usher, who headlined the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in February, will kick off his massive Past Present Future Tour on Aug. 14 in Atlanta.
The tour is in support of his ninth album, Coming Home, which was released just days before his headlining Super Bowl Halftime Show performance in February.
Coming Home debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top R&B Albums chart. The Past Present Future Tour also aligns with the 20th anniversary of Usher’s groundbreaking album Confessions.
Before Usher embarks on his tour, he will headline the 2024 Essence Festival in New Orleans on July 6. He is expected to perform Confessions in its entirety.
Watch Usher’s Lifetime Achievement acceptance speech and tribute performance at the 2024 BET Awards below.
Usher’s Lifetime Achievement Award Acceptance Speech
Usher’s Tribute Performance
