At the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday, Usher was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and also secured the title of Best Male R&B/Pop Artist earlier in the evening.
Artists Pay Tribute To Usher
The award was presented to him by L.A. Reid and Babyface, with Babyface expressing their pride by saying, “We couldn’t be more proud of the icon you’ve become, but more importantly the man you’ve become.”
The audience enthusiastically shouted, “we love you” as Usher took the stage. During his acceptance speech, which experienced frequent audio disruptions, Usher expressed gratitude to the artists who performed his songs in the all-star tribute that preceded his award. This tribute featured performances by Keke Palmer, Coco Jones, Tinashe, Victoria Monét, Latto, Chlöe Bailey, and Teyana Taylor.
Usher’s Acceptance Speech
In his acceptance speech, Usher expressed gratitude to those who contributed to his career, including Reid and Babyface, who presented him with the award. “Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it,” he remarked. Despite the audio issues during his speech, Usher reflected on his 30-year career, questioning, “Is it too early for me to receive it? Because I’m still running and gunning and I still love this shit like I did when I was eight years old.” Reflecting on his career, he remarked, “Those moments that become legacy are all about expression and just having fun and finding the connection and really the spark.”
Usher spoke about his complicated relationship with his father, stating that it “probably hurt and helped me at the same time.” He noted, “They say success needs a hundred fathers,” and referred to the men on stage with him as “my village” that kept him motivated. He called this “the year of the father,” emphasizing the importance of fathers stepping up for their children and being the men they need.
Despite ongoing audio issues, the end of his speech was clear. He said, “We got to be willing to forgive y’all. He who knows no sin cast the first stone. You got to be willing to forgive. You got to be willing to be open. I’m telling you, standing before you is 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. But that’s what’s real, and that’s what makes us human. That’s what makes us men and women. I thank y’all.”
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