Taraji P. Henson will host the 2024 BET Awards live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. She previously hosted the show in 2021 and 2022. The Oscar-nominated actress (for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) is one of only two performers to host the show three times (the other being Mo’Nique, who won an Oscar for Precious). The 2024 BET Awards will air live on the East Coast on Sunday, June 30, on BET at 8 p.m. ET/ PT.
“Taraji is a phenom, known for her vibrant personality and charisma, and we are excited to welcome her back to host Culture’s Biggest Night, [the] BET Awards, the ultimate celebration of Black creativity,” Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP specials, music programming & music strategy, said in a statement.
Previously announced performers include GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey and Victoria Monét. Sexyy Red, GloRilla and Long all have hits climbing the top 20 on Billboard’s current Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Sexyy Red’s “Get It Sexyy” jumps from No. 9 to No. 7, GloRilla’s “Yeah Glo!” jumps from No. 11 to No. 8 and Long’s “Made for Me” leaps from No. 25 to No. 17.
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” holds at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart after logging three weeks at No. 1.
If these artists perform these hits on the show, it could not only give the hits a boost, but the records’ Grammy chances, because the audience will likely include Grammy voters who are starting to think of their Grammy choices. (The Grammys’ online entry period runs from July 17 to Aug. 31.) Long’s “Made for Me” has the sophisticated R&B appeal of Monét’s “On My Mama,” which was nominated for record of the year at the Grammy ceremony that was held on Feb. 4.
Usher is set to receive the lifetime achievement award at this year’s BET Awards. He also has four nominations.
Drake leads the 2024 BET Awards nominations with seven nods, followed by Nicki Minaj with six; J. Cole, Sexyy Red, SZA, Monét and Beyoncé with five each; and 21 Savage, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla and Usher, with four each.
Voting for the 2024 Viewer’s Choice Award begins Thursday June 6 and ends June 30. Nominees in that category are Doja Cat’s “Agora Hills,” Lil Durk’s “All My Life” (featuring J. Cole), Gunna’s “Fukumean,” Jack Harlow’s “Lovin on Me,” Long’s “Made for Me,” Monét’s “On My Mama,” Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy” (featuring Sexyy Red & SZA), Chris Brown’s “Sensational (featuring Davido & Lojay), Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” and Tyla’s “Water.”
Orlando will oversee and executive produce the annual show. Jamal Noisette, SVP, tentpoles & music community engagement, will co-executive produce for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as executive producers.
