Where do I begin? I am somewhat of an awards show junkie. I have always loved to watch the shows for the performances, and most of all the CLOTHES! Oh how BET disappointed me, let me count the ways. LOL I was especially excited about the awards show because it was supposed to be a tribute to the legacy of Michael Jackson. In BET's defense, they did have to do a very quick turn around since MJ had just passed away on Thursday, but they seriously could have done a better job. The show opened somewhat decently with a tribute from New Edition, including a "healthy" and intoxicated looking Bobby Brown. Jamie Fox was okay as a host but as you can always expect from him he was over the top and not necessarily in a good way. The whole show was basically the Jamie Fox show. The performances were beyond lackluster, most notably Soulja Boy Tellum, and Ciara who should have done a DANCING tribute not vocal. There were some nice moments. Beyonce's bold and beautiful rendition of Ave Maria and the Johnny Gill/Tyrese/Trey Songs tribute to the O'Jays. Jamie Fox and Neyo also ended with a touching tribute to MJ. Those were the highlights for real. Even the fashion was a big disappointment. The outfits went from blah to downright tragic. There were some big names that were missing from the show that was downright unacceptable! The artists include Usher, Mariah Carey and even Justin Timberlake. I know some are recording projects or on tour but they could have done a satellite feed or something!
I think Joe Jackson's appearance at the show was shameful. I know everyone grieves in their own way but looking at the great time he appeared to be having was not the look of a man that had lost his child only days before. Janet Jackson's brief appearance at the end of the night was far more appropriate. She gave heart felt thanks to all the fans and supporters and then left, unlike her father who was there from the red carpet throughout the show and probably hit up some after parties. I almost forgot to mention some of the worst offenders...believe it or not....Mary Mary!! They sang "The God in Me" and took Jesus straight to the club! People following the show on Twitter commented on the tight clothes, worldly dance moves and the song itself. One twitterer commented that he knew they were supposed to be singing for the Lord, but sounded like they had the devil in them. SMH That's one of mild comments. Wow.
Thank you for tolerating my rant. These are just a FEW of my observations from this mess of an awards show. The show had been getting more polished and together, but last night proved a big step backwards. What is even more frightening than the horrific awards show is the line-up of hot mess new reality shows that were promoted to death during the commercial breaks. Debra Lee should be ashamed at the direction this network is taking. BET's programming is serving to showcase every stereotype of African-American culture that has ever existed.
