Top Memorable Moments at BET Awards Over the Years

Though this happened just one year after his controversial assault against Rihanna in 2009, this performance by Brown still holds close to a lot of viewers heart for his dancing, vocals and emotional ending.

Performing alongside Teena Marie for their hit song “Fire & Desire,” this would be the last performance Rick James would give before his passing a little over a month later. It was also this appearance where he gave his famous quote: “I’m Rick James, bitch!”

Name something more iconic than the real New Edition receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award while singing alongside both the young and older versions of the new New Edition from their highly successful biopic series. We’ll wait.

Just a mere three days after the world found out Michael Jackson died, Janet Jackson made a surprising appearance at the award show to thank the awards ceremony and the crowd for their love and support.

At the first BET Awards show ever in 2001, Whitney Houston was honored with the channel’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.

From one legend to another. There’s no way we couldn’t include this iconic moment between music legends at the 2003 BET Awards.

This was a fun light-hearted moment between celebrities. 50 Cent was a rising star in the hip-hop world and he had zero hesitation when shooting his shot with Vivica A. Fox. I respect it, you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.

After being the star of Destiny’s Child for years, Beyoncé decided to do her own thing. She officially introduced herself as a solo artist at the 2003 BET Awards performing her now classic record, “Crazy In Love.”

The Fugees hadn’t been seen together on stage in nearly a decade, so it was a pleasure to see the trio back again at the 2005 BET Awards. While I don’t remember if Lauryn Hill was on time or not, it still was a great performance.

The members of Destiny’s Child reunited at the 2005 BET Awards putting on a show fans will never forget. Just watch it and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Hov and Queen Bey came out together at the 2006 BET Awards, cementing the pair as a power couple in the music industry.

Just months after her brother passed, Janet Jackson had the strength to honor the life and career of her brother at the 2009 BET Awards.

D’Angelo stole the show at the 2012 BET Awards, serenading every woman in attendance and at home.

Rihanna throwing money at a random man before going on stage is an iconic moment in itself.

Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder and many other talented artists put on incredible performances to honor the life and legacy of prince, who died in April 2016.

It’s unfortunate that it’s hard to find a clear video of this breathtaking performance, but if you had a chance to see it live, you’ll remember the incredible show K. Dot and Queen Bey put on at the 2016 BET Awards.

Jesse Williams has always been a civil activist who stands up for injustice. That was never more clear than after he accepted an award at the 2016 BET Awards

Even though everyone was at home watching on their TVs, Megan still put on an incredible show in the middle of the dessert. It solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world.