Queen Latifah performs onstage during the BET Experience - Roots Picnic: Hip-Hop is The Love of My Life at Hollywood Bowl on June 29, 2024 in Los Angeles, California; Host Jamie Foxx speaks onstage at the 2018 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California; Host Mo'Nique dances on stage at the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on June 29, 2004 in Hollywood, California.
Top BET Awards Hosts Ranked: Unforgettable Moments and Iconic Hosts Who Defined the Show
We ranked BET Awards hosts according to their most iconic moments and standout performances that have defined the show over the years.
By Dayana PrevalJuly 12 2024, Published 6:51 p.m. ET
The BET Awards have showcased and captured some of the highlights of Black entertainment. It’s a moment for fans and celebrities to enjoy each other through creativity. The vibe is usually a reflection of who’s hosting the show that year, as they set the tone for the evening. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see who had viral moments. We’ve compiled our own list of BET Awards hosts ranked.
1. Mo'Nique (2004)
Mo'Nique, host during BET Awards 2007 - Press Room at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States.
Mo’Nique is a comedian and actress we’ve loved since the beginning of her career. In 2004, Mo’Nique added the BET Awards host to her long list of accolades. She opened the show with an entertaining rendition of Beyoncé’s hit single Crazy in Love.
Mo’Nique performed the song alongside other beautiful, plus-size black women, making a clear statement that big girls can pull off sexy choreography, too — despite what society says.
2. Damon Wayans (2006)
Damon Wayans Behind the Scenes promo shoot for the 2006 BET Awards scheduled to air June 27, 2006.
Damon Wayans is another comedian in the industry we love. He and his family have contributed significantly to the culture. He hosted the Awards in 2006, an incredible year for music. Chris Brown won Best New Artist, and Beyoncé and Jay-Z performed their hit collaboration "Déjà Vu" together on stage. Another historic moment on the show was when Janet Jackson reunited with her Good Times family.
3. Jamie Foxx (2009)
Host Jamie Foxx speaks onstage at the 2018 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Jamie Foxx is a jack of all trades, excelling as a comedian, musician, actor, voice actor, and more. It’s no surprise that BET previously tapped him to host its annual celebration of Black entertainers. This particular award show was bittersweet, as we had recently lost the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The audience saw Janet pay tribute to her brother on stage.
4. Queen Latifah (2010)
Queen Latifah hits the stage as Cleo alongside T.I.
Queen Latifah is an advocate for women, one of the best rom-com actresses, a talented musician, a talk show host, and so much more. In 2010, Queen took the stage as host of the BET Awards. Notably, she dressed up as her iconic character Cleo from Set It Off during the show.
That year, T.I. dominated the charts and gave a crowd-moving performance of "Yeah Ya Know." Tyrese Gibson sang the classic Teddy Pendergrass song "Come With Me," while Janelle Monáe paid tribute to Prince with a performance of "Let’s Go Crazy."
Chris Brown honored one of his favorite artists, Michael Jackson, and despite breaking down on stage, he pushed through to complete his performance.
5. Amanda Seales (2020)
Amanda Seales speaks onstage at the 2019 BET Awards on June 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
Amanda Seales is an advocate for the people, a comedian, an actor, and more. She hosted the BET Awards for the first time, and with a twist — it was virtual! 2020 was the year the world shut down, but creatives did what they do best and pivoted; the same was true for the BET Awards. Amanda hosted the show from her home, which was a first!
A lot of heartache came with 2020 due to COVID. We lost loved ones personally and also celebrities we admired, such as Kobe Bryant and Little Richard. At the same time, social injustices were taking center stage in the media.
Overall, the whole show was a viral moment because a digital awards show had never taken place before. This format also allowed the performers to tap into their creativity, delivering virtual performances that were truly unique.
