Event Review & Critique: BET Awards 2018 - EVNT 1100, Fall 2017

This report provides a review and critique of the 2018 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. The author describes the dynamic performances, including those by Meek Mill, Janelle Monae, and J Cole, and highlights Jamie Foxx's energetic hosting. The review covers the award winners, such as Cardi B, Bruni Mars, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake, while noting the absence of some major stars. It also mentions performances by Nicki Minaj, Big Shawna, Two-Chains, and H.E.R., as well as a tribute to Anita Baker. The report concludes with suggestions for improving the event, such as adjusting ticket prices, considering white performers, and moving the event to different locations. The author emphasizes the economic benefits of the BET Awards to the surrounding community.

Running head: EVENTS MANAGEMENT 1
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Introduction
The Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards 2018 is the event I attended last. The
BET awards is a celebration of the blacks in their achievements in music, entertainment, and
movies. The BET 2018 touched down at Los Angeles at Microsoft Theatre on Sunday, June
24th. The event was full of dynamic performances prepared for those in attendance. The
performances ranged from Meek Mill, Janelle Monae's ‘melanated' performance and J Coles
messages (Coleman, 2018). The event was full of soulful singing, recognition of people who
have been phenomenal above and beyond and a lot of entertainment.
The award show was opened by Jamie Fox who began the show by telling his audience
he was not hosting the cable network show. He said he was there to celebrate. Jamie Fox hosted
the event like his life depended on it. During the three-hour broadcast, Jamie Foxx showed so
much passion and energy. His hosting style was comical where his storyline was the black
panther movement, and how he celebrated them. The highlight of the Show is when he brought
onstage Donald Clover, alias, Childish Gambino for a performance (Eyewitness News, 2018).
No one expected his appearance, and it happened as a surprise to many attendees. People
questioned Foxx’s performance because of the accusations laid against him. However, he made
the show worth sitting through and watching. Some of the award winners were Cardi B, Bruni
Mars, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake.
This year's event, unlike the rest of the years, did not have the biggest Rap and Blues
stars in attendance; Jay-z, Beyonce, Cardi B, and Drake. Regardless, the show was full of energy
and entertainment. The organizers knew that without the biggest stars a shot of adrenaline could
have been achieved by a Foxx's hosting, character and energy on stage to keep fans entertained.
There were several performances and the highlight of the night was a rendition by guys who

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were dressed like racing horses of Big Bank. The performance had renowned Hip-hop artists like
Nicki Minaj, Big Shawna, and two-chains who showcased their talents. H.E.R who is an upstart
R&B singer also showcased her talent, performing a cover of a song by Laureen Hill called
‘Nothing Even Matters'. The host later again surprised the guests by paying tribute to Anita
Baker, owner of BET while singing some of her favorite songs. The show ended with a
performance by Snoop Dogg, who had a rowdy but classic Hip-hop which only him could
deliver. Toward the end, the stage lights brightened to reveal a phalanx of children meditating on
the floor and transitioned into a dance. Foxx then called his children on stage before thanking
everyone for attending and watching. He also urged people to join the after party (Chow, 2018).
BET awards draw music fans around the globe, but the access usually costs a lot for most
of the common citizen, the prices should be adjusted to suit many people. BET is exclusively a
black affair but also white people can celebrate the blacks; thus they should be open to the idea
of white people performing on BET as well. BET has always been held in Los Angeles, they
should consider moving it to other places so that fans can also have the BET Experience.
However, BET has many benefits to top entertainers and every time the event is held, the
community around has an economic boom (Bennet, 2018).

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References
Bennet A., (June, 2018). Exlusive: BET Awards Mulling Move From Los Angeles, Insyders say.
Fortune Magazine. Retreived from; http://fortune.com/2018/06/27/bet-awards-los-
angeles.
Chow, A. (June, 2018) Parts Unknown and the BET Awards. New York Times. Retrieved from;
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/24/arts/television/whats-on-tv-sunday-parts-unknown-
and-the-bet-awards.html
Coleman, R. M. (2018). ” Roll up your Sleeves!”: Black women, black feminism in Feminist
Media Studies. In Current Perspectives in Feminist Media Studies (pp. 31-37).
Routledge.
Eye Witness News, (June, 2018) Black Panther, Cardi B Win Big at BET 2018 Awards.
Eyewitness
News. Retrieved from https://ewn.co.za/2018/06/25/black-panther-cardi-b-win-big-at-
2018-bet-awards