On Sunday, night (June 30) at the Peacock Theater, Usher was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards in Los Angeles.
Usher made some ”confessions” at the 2024 BET Awards, but they were of the most heartwarming kind.
“Getting here has not been easy, but it has been worth it,” Usher said. “This Life(time) Achievement Award, I don’t know man, is it too early for me to receive it? Because I’m still running and gunning, and I still love this (work) like I did when I was 8 years old.”
Usher was given his flowers with a jam-packed tribute performance that showcased the “Yeah!” singer’s immaculate collection of soulful pop hits.
“It is great to see him get the flowers while the garden is still growing, so keep growing the flowers,” said Terry Lewis at the beginning of the segments
Usher also looked back soberly at his early years during his speech.
“I was trying to make sense of this name that a man gave me but didn’t stick around because he didn’t love me,” said Usher of his relationship with his father. “Or at least that was my perception of it because I had to live long enough to understand that you have to have a forgiving heart to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of a Black man in America.”
“My father was a product of that. He made a lot of decisions. He made a lot of choices, and one that probably hurt and helped me at the same time was to stay away,” Usher continued. “That’s part of the reason why I say this is the year of the father, where all the fathers have got to stand up for their sons and daughters and be the man that they need to be for them.”
“You’ve got to be willing to forgive, y’all. He who knows no sin cast the first stone. You’ve got to be willing to forgive. Got to be willing to be open,” he said. “I’m telling you, you’re standing before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up ever. And look what I made with it! Look what I was able to usher in. That’s what’s real. That’s what makes us human. That’s what makes us men and women. I thank you all, man.”
The pop star artist also praised Jam, Lewis, Reid, and Babyface for how they helped shape his successful career, Usher described them as “the men who motivated me, who speak to me, who have spoken to me, who have been solid no matter how f–ked up it may have been — sorry, I’m cursing to let you know how I feel”
The Grammy winner stayed on his feet as a parade of artists performed his hits — Childish Gambino kicked it off with “U Don’t Have to Call,” joined by Keke Palmer, who took the lead on “You Make Me Wanna…” Coco Jones appeared in the audience for a sultry rendition of “There Goes My Baby,” serenading Usher and his wife Jenn Goicoechea.
Summer Walker hit the stage for “Good Good,” Tinashe did “Nice & Slow,” Marsha Ambrosius tackled “Superstar” and Chlöe performed “Good Kisser.” Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét teamed up for “Bad Girl,” mirroring Usher and Beyoncé’s choreography from their performance of the song. Latto brought the energy for “Yeah!” In some ways, the homage underscored the women who carried much of the night — dominating the performances.
Earlier in the night, Usher won the award for best male R&B/pop artist. “I’m really happy to still be a part of the fight,” he said, including “being an inspiration for the new kids.”
