Usher wins Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards 2024, Tinashe, Childish Gambino, and more pay tribute to him

A standout moment of the evening was the homage paid to Usher in celebration of his Lifetime Achievement Award. Introduced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Usher watched as a succession of artists honoured his illustrious career.

At the 2024 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the night belonged to Usher. Taraji P. Henson guided the lively four-hour event, showcasing a dazzling array of performances by icons such as Lauryn Hill, Will Smith, Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice, Childish Gambino, and GloRilla.

A standout moment of the evening was the homage paid to Usher in celebration of his Lifetime Achievement Award. Introduced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Usher watched as a succession of artists honoured his illustrious career. Childish Gambino kicked off the tribute with a soulful rendition of "U Don’t Have to Call," joined by Keke Palmer who brought her own flair to "U Make Me Wanna." Summer Walker added her touch with "Good Good," a collaboration with Usher, while Coco Jones serenaded him with "There Goes My Baby." Marsha Ambrosius followed with "Confessions," Chlöe delivered a rendition of "Good Kisser," and Tinashe crooned "Nice & Slow." Victoria Monét returned with Teyana Taylor for "Bad Girl," a nod to Usher's past performances with Beyoncé, while Latto closed the medley with a fiery rendition of Ludacris’ verse from “Yeah!"

.@Tinashe performs “Nice & Slow” as a tribute to singer-songwriter Usher at the #BetAwards. pic.twitter.com/XstsCU6uUN

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— Tinashe Charts (@tinasheup) July 1, 2024

Childish Gambino tributes “U Don’t Have To Call” in honor of Usher’s BET Lifetime Achievement award #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/TM4VkIVk2j

— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) July 1, 2024

After the performance, L.A. Reid and Babyface, who signed Usher as co-founders of his label LaFace Records, presented the award to Usher. He said, “Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it. This life achievement award, I don’t know man. Is it too early for me to receive it? Because I’m still running and gunning and still love this shit like I was eight years old.”

However, the night took an unexpected turn for Usher when, during his acceptance speech, the broadcast abruptly cut him off despite earlier uncensored moments from other presenters and performers. Usher, known for his candid charm, shared his gratitude amidst some spontaneous language, reflecting his unscripted joy and appreciation for the honor, leaving a moment of unintended suspense in an otherwise celebratory evening.