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Memorable Moments at BET Awards

Before we prepare for the 2023 BET Awards this Sunday, let's look back at the performances and speeches we will always remember.

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter/BET

With the 2023 BET Awards just days away, The Root thought it would be a perfect time to look back at the iconic moments that fans of BET are still talking about. Weโ€™re talking jaw-dropping performances, emotional tributes, and incredible speeches. We have it all.

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Whitney Houstonโ€™s Lifetime Achievement Award

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nHgElwzbGw

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

Michael Jackson presents James Brown with an award

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP711jibSc4

From one legend to another. Thereโ€™s no way we couldnโ€™t include this iconic moment between music legends at the 2003 BET Awards.

50 Cent shoots his shot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWjYYbZgJIw

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 donโ€™t take.

Beyoncรฉ makes her solo debut

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LtsxWDVz7c

After being the star of Destinyโ€™s Child for years, Beyoncรฉ decided to do her own thing. She officially introduced herself as a solo artist at the 2003 BET Awards performing her now classic record, โ€œCrazy In Love.โ€

Fugees Reunion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE-3YQkhxXs

The Fugees hadnโ€™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 donโ€™t remember if Lauryn Hill was on time or not, it still was a great performance.

Destinyโ€™s Child makes their return

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx7nksqxARc

The members of Destinyโ€™s Child reunited at the 2005 BET Awards putting on a show fans will never forget. Just watch it and youโ€™ll know what Iโ€™m talking about.

Hov and Queen Bey put on a show together

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison

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

Janet Jackson honors the passing of her brother

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter

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.

Dโ€™Angelo shows out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMMuzVmijsM

Dโ€™Angelo stole the show at the 2012 BET Awards, serenading every woman in attendance and at home.

Rihanna previews โ€œBitch Better Have My Moneyโ€

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krc441CQ2dE

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

Tribute to Prince

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter/BET

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.

Beyoncรฉ and Kendrick Lamar shut it down

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter/BET

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

Jesse Williamsโ€™ inspiring speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7VPMJcXPGs

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

Megan Thee Stallion does her thing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XJiirJIwXQ

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.

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