Events: BET After-Party Honoring Steven Hill

After the awards on Tuesday, the BET LATE NIGHT AFTER PARTY in honor of Steven Hill took place at a private residence in L.A. Guests included Lil' Wayne, Diddy, Lil' Kim, Queen Latifah, Kevin Liles, Quincy Jones and Michelle Williams.

Debra Lee and Quincy Jones

Angie Martinez, Steve Rifkind, Queen Latifah and Xzibit

An interesting exchange...

J.D. and O'neal McKnight

Cheri Dennis, Kevin Liles and Michelle Williams

Nelly and Ashanti

Taraji Henson, Andre Harrell and Sanaa Lathan

On the Red Carpet: BET Awards

The stars took to the Red Carpet last night at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Rihanna who was clearly the star of the carpet since their was no Beyonce in sight. She arrived in full summer glory wearingthis beautiful Giambattista Valli confection.

AND THE WINNER IS...

Alicia Keys won Female R&B Artist of the year; Chris Brown won Male R&B artist; UGK won Group of the year.

Other notable winners are: Marvin Sapp for Best Gospel Artist; Kanye West for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist; The-Dream for Best New Artist. Kanye West won in the Best Collabo category for Good Life featuring T-Pain. The Video of the Year went to UGK featuring Outkast for International Player's Anthem and Lil' Wayne took home the Viewer's Choice Award for Lollipop.

BET Awards 2008

As you know, the the 8th Annual BET Awards went down last night. Overall it was pretty dope with some memorable moments - nothing monumental.

The much hyped Beyonce, Usher and Lil’ Wayne performance proved to be a non-event, leaving Ursh to give a lack-luster performance where he lip-synched through its entirety. (He didn't even bother to mix in a couple of live vocals.) Sub-par performances from Keyshia Cole (WTF. It's always fun to see Lil' Kim though) and Jeezy continued to disappoint. Even Kanye's appearance in Put On was sort of a let-down.

One of the highlights however, was seeing Alicia Keys performance as she invited with SWV, En Vogue, and TLC to join her. (I always love when she does her tribute to old school.) Another near-stellar performance was Ne-Yo's stage interpretation of his single, Closer. He really staked his claim as an entertainer last night. I don't know who wiped the floor with Usher more, him or Chris Brown. (Sidenote: Did anyone notice how the camera kept cutting to Rihanna when Ciara joined him on stage? Classic)

The crowd rose to their feet as Al Green performed his hits Let's Stay Together and Love and Happiness. And a seemingly sober, Lil' Wayne closed the show with T-Pain performing new singles Got Money, A Millie and his smash hit, Lollipop.

Event Chic: Celebs Arrive at the BET Awards Pre-Party

As preparations for tonights BET Awards continue, nominees, sponsors and industry execs dined and danced in honor of the occasion. They arrive at Pre-Party Dinner held at Vibiana LA in style. With Nelly as the MC, and a live performance by Jill Scott, guests that included Ashanti, Jill Marie Jones, Tyrese, Eva Marcille, Lauren London, Janelle Monae, and Fonsworth Bentley.

Exclusive: Beyonce To Perform At 2008 BET Awards!

Lil' Wayne confirmed that he will be taking to the stage along with Usher and Beyonce, to open the 2008 BET Awards with the Love In The Club remix in a recent interview with XM radio:

"It was suppose to be a surprise that I and Beyonce are performing with Usher when I open up the show."

OK, so the cat's been left out of the bag. I'm guessing that 'lean' kind of clouded his meaning of surprise. Any who, you better believe all eyes will be tuned in when the awards air, live on June 24. Looks like BET knows well how to get those ratings.

BET Awards 2008 News: Host, More Performers Announced

With the 2008 BET Awards just around, more information about the much anticipated show has been announced.

Comedian D.L Hughley has been revealed as this year's host, while nominees Alicia Keys, Chris Brown and Kanye West have joined the performance roster - which already boasts showings by Mariah Carey, Usher, Lil Wayne, Mary J. Blige and more. The show takes June 24th live from the Shrine Auditorium in L.A.