Hollywood celebrates black talent

By Tricia Liverpool
BBC, Los Angeles

Eminem was an unexpected guest at the ceremony

A galaxy of stars from the world of music and acting were in Hollywood for the 6th annual Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards.

The BET channel, which heralds the achievement of black stars in the US, hosted the show at the prestigious Shrine Auditorium, the former home of the Oscars.

Hours before the show kicked off, fans lined the sweltering Los Angeles streets, hoping for a glimpse of performers such as Prince and Beyonce.

But, along with Janet Jackson, they were rushed past waiting reporters, amid a sea of bodyguards.

Ultimate supergroup

Beyonce, dressed in a sparkling silver two-piece, opened the show in style with her boyfriend Jay-Z.

The two bounced around the stage together, quashing all rumours that they are experiencing relationship difficulties.

It was the first time Prince had attended or performed at the ceremony, and for his trouble he was given the Best Male R&B artist award.

"This was unexpected, but appreciated nonetheless," he said.

I'm having a block right now. I'm kinda waiting - I don't just wanna put anything out there Missy Elliott on potential new material

The show had a lot to live up to this year, with previous ceremonies boasting surprise appearances from Michael Jackson and all three members of the Fugees, who re-formed for one night only.

This year Eminem made an unexpected appearance on stage, joining rapper Busta Rhymes.

But it was the performance from the ultimate supergroup - Chaka Khan on vocals, Stevie Wonder on keyboards and Prince on guitar - that had the packed auditorium on its feet.

It seems Mariah Carey's dominance of music award shows has come to an end, as she lost out to Mary J Blige for Best Female R&B artist.

'Really excited'

Visibly touched, she shook hands with fans in the front row as she walked to the stage.

"I thank God for each and every one of my fans in here," she said. "My husband, that's my best friend, we do this together. What would I be without him? I wouldn't be nothing without him and I believe that."

Actor Danny Glover presented Harry Belafonte with the Humanitarian Award for his work with Unicef.

The night also honoured Crash star Terrence Howard and Serena Williams.

Couple Jay-Z and Beyonce teamed up to perform at the Shrine Auditorium

Even though he was not nominated, P Diddy took the opportunity to promote two new young artists signed to his Bad Boy record label.

The winner of the Best Female Hip Hop artist award, Missy Elliot, took time to speak to reporters backstage.

Dressed in a shiny gold trouser suit and matching cap, she seemed happy to be recognised for her work, despite not having released much new material this year.

"I'm having a block right now," she said. "I'm kinda waiting - I don't just wanna put anything out there. Give me a minute I'll be right back out though."

Lil Kim, currently serving a prison sentence, was also nominated in this category.

Her mother Ruby and brother Chris attended the show on her behalf, and revealed that Kim is in good spirits.

"She'll be home early July," her brother said. "We're all really excited right now. The stress is over as we only have a few days left. We wanna get over it. A year and a day is a long time, but finally we can put it behind us."

The last award for Video of the Year had to be shared between Kanye West and Jamie Foxx for their hit Gold Digger, and Mary J Blige's chart-topping track Be Without You.

'Devastation'

Presented by Outkast, it was a chance for the rap duo to confirm that their new album and film project, Idlewild, would be coming out in August.

"It's been a long time coming, we're just glad it's happening. We think the people are really going to enjoy it when it comes out," Big Boi said.

Jamie Foxx, who was nominated for his acting and singing skills, took time to address the rebuilding efforts on the US Gulf coast.

"The only way New Orleans is really going to get help is through the federal government. The situation is too big for local government, there's too much devastation," he said.

"I'll be making a speech in Houston soon and really trying to make people understand that the situation has not gone away," added the star.