The cream of North American musical talent turned out for the Black Entertainment Television Awards in Hollywood this week.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of the evening was Michael Jackson's emotional tribute to James Brown. The singer joined his idol in a performance of Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine, before presenting him with the award.
And the 44-year-old was moved to tears as he teamed up with sister LaToyah to make the presentation. "Nobody has influenced me more than this man right here,” he said. “And I'm happy from the bottom of my heart. Since I was a child, at six years old, he was the one I looked up to more than any other entertainer. And I still do today."
Destiny's Child singer Beyonce Knowles also made quite an impression by performing a duet with her boyfriend Jay Z. Rap star 50 Cent meanwhile took home the best new artist and best hip-hop gongs, while Missy Elliot was crowned best female.
It wasn't such a fortuitous night for controversial rapper Snoop Dogg, however, as he had a run-in with police upon arriving at the glittering bash. The performer, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, isn't allowed to associate with people carrying firearms, as he is a convicted felon. Police who swooped on his entourage detained 13 men, seven of whom were armed. Snoop went on to perform at the event, and won the best collaborator award, but he may face a stretch in jail as a result of the incident outside.
Other big names who came along to the prize-giving included Queen Latifah, Lil' Kim, Mary J Blige and Grandmaster Flash.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
