Wednesday, July 23, 2014

BET Awards 2014 - TV



(C) 2014 by Rych McCain, All Rights Reserved. No part of this column may be reprinted, re-posted or duplicated without written permission from Rych McCain Media/Syndication. Violation is subject to applicable laws


BET Awards 2014 - TV

By Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist 
Rych McCain www.twitter.com/rychmccain and Facebook (Like Me)




Photos Courtesy of BET


The 2014 BET Awards

     The 2014 version of The BET Awards was a huge success on screen and The three day BET Experience was equally as successful packing the LA Convention Center with star studded multiple events and performances that drew people from all over the United States and abroad. This event will only get bigger in the years to come. It was safe with tons of security and fans could actually rub elbows with their favorite entertainers. Unlike last year where it was held in the searing 85o heat outside, the air cooled LA Convention Center made it an enjoyable experience. As word of caution for next year however, don’t come to LA broke with no tickets hoping to B.S. your way into any of the events. Security was way too tight for that.

     On the down side, a lot of veteran Black Press members were denied press credentials to cover a Black Award Show. Many of these people have been covering The BET Awards for years. This didn’t sit well considering that a lot of the White journalist aren’t even familiar with nor fans of the Black entertainers who were walking the carpet. They have poor knowledge of Black entertainment. I personally became sick and tired of a chap from the British press next to me on the red carpet who kept asking who people were like Lou Gossett, Jr., Kerry Washington and T.I. I ask why are you covering a show where you have no knowledge of the entertainers? Needless to say he quit buggin’ me.


   
Host Chris Rock
Now back to the show which was broadcast live from The Nokia Theater located in the heart of LA Live which is also home to the Staple Center honored the best of Black actors, actresses, athletes, singers and rappers. Chris Rock as host was a breath of fresh air after last year’s host Chris Tucker stunk the place up with a boring routine. Rock’s opening monologue poked fun at the movies, music, Oprah, Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Solange, Dr. Dre, Kevin Hart and Donald Sterling. Rock kept the place in stitches throughout the entire broadcast. Jay-Z and Beyonce led the pack with five nominations followed by August Alsina,
Pharrell Williams, and Drake each of whom had four nominations. Pharrell was the first act to perform and was joined on stage by Missy Elliott. Singer August Asina emotionally accepted the Best New Artist which was the first award presented. Lionel Richie took home the BET


ABC-TV "Scandal" star Kerry Washington


  Lifetime Achievement Award. Another surprise for the evening was a performance by Chris Brown who seems to have not lost a step or his magic touch. He didn’t have that radiant youthful glow about him which is understandable considering what he has been through. 




 


BET Talk Show Hostess KeKe Palmer

 Serena Williams took home the Subway Sportswoman of theYearAward while Nicki Minaj waltzed off with Best Female Hip Hop Artist of the Year for the fifth year in a row. In her acceptance speech Minaj clearly made note that she actually writes her own raps making a reference to Iggy Azalea who is receiving major hype but is being propped up from behind the scenes with help. In other words one is original (Minaj) while the other (Azalea) is a cookie cutter, manufactured imitator. I’m sure we’ll hear a response from Azalea. For a complete list of the winners and show highlights go to www.bet.com.
  
© 2014 Rych McCain Media/Syndication TM 
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