The R&B legend dedicated his acceptance speech to “the year of the father” as he recalled his successful 30+ year career at the 2024 BET Awards
Usher had a phenomenal night at the 2024 BET Awards.
During the event on Sunday, June 30, the R&B superstar, 45, received the Lifetime Achievement Award — an esteemed honor that’s been previously granted to icons like Prince, Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah and Lionel Richie — in celebration of his epic musical legacy.
A lineup of surprise guests celebrated Usher at “Culture’s Biggest Night.” Childish Gambino, also known as Donald Glover, and Keke Palmer started the evening with an acapella rendition of Usher’s 2001 hit “U Don’t Have to Call.”
The tribute medley then continued with a nostalgic look back at Usher’s epic discography with performances from Palmer (“U Make Me Wanna”), Coco Jones (“There Goes My Baby”), Marsha Ambrosius (“Superstar”), Chlöe (“Good Kisser”), Tinashe (“Nice & Slow”), Teyana Taylor (“Bad Girl” featuring a dance number from Victoria Monét) and Latto (“Yeah!”).
Summer Walker joined the stage, performing her Usher collaboration “Good Good,” featuring 21 Savage, which had earned nominations for best collaboration and video at the BET Awards.
Usher took the stage to accept his much-deserved award, presented by music legends Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, L.A. Reid, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis. His wife, Jenn Goicoechea Raymond, proudly cheered him from the front row.
The Grammy-winning artist started by humorously questioning if it was “too early” for such an honor, expressing, “I’m still running and gunning, and I still love this like I did when I was 8 years old.”
Reflecting on his childhood, Usher spoke about growing up without his father while sharing his name. “I was trying to make sense of this name that a man gave me that didn’t stick around because he didn’t love — or at least that was my perception,” he shared.
“To understand the true difficulties faced by a Black man in America, you need a forgiving heart,” Usher continued. “My father was a product of those challenges. His decision to stay away both hurt and helped me.”
Despite audio issues during his speech, Usher focused on parenting and the importance of present fathers, declaring 2024 “the year of the father.”
“Even without a dad to call for advice, I became the father I am today to my boys, Cinco and Naviyd, who are here tonight,” he said, also mentioning his younger children, Sire and Sovereign, back at home.
“It’s all about my children and showing them that dreams can come true with commitment,” he concluded. Thanking his team and collaborators like Babyface and Reid, Usher noted, “With passion and perseverance, this could be you — this could be your moment.”
BET honors those who have achieved special and distinguished public service with their Lifetime Achievement Award. Usher, with his influence on culture and the entertainment industry, was a perfect recipient this year.
Highlighting his many contributions, BET stated, “From chart-topping hits and memorable performances to his unique sound and moves, Usher sets new standards in the music industry and represents Black excellence.”
The “U Got It Bad” singer has had an extraordinary year, including a historic Super Bowl halftime show, the release of his ninth album, and the 20th anniversary of his diamond-certified album, Confessions. Usher also announced his upcoming Past Present Future tour, following the success of his Las Vegas residency.
The 2024 BET Awards aired live on June 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
