The upcoming 2011 BET Awards Los Angeles is packed with of star power as the cable network recognizes entertainers who impacted the African-American audience. Marked last year with big moments, such as an emotional Chris Brown crying during a Michael Jackson tribute, many fans are wondering how this year’s big moments will unfold. Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, the awards ceremony will focus on the music industry’s movers and shakers along with giving nods to top Hollywood actors and sports figures.
This year’s slated performers include big name heavy-hitters with R&B and Hip Hop staple Mary J. Blige carrying the torch and leading the way for a talented array of fellow veteran singers such as Best Female artist nominee Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott.
Could there be a reunion between the Texas gal pals Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé? Will Mary J defer to the younger generation of stars or will the queen of Hip Hop and R&B show the ladies how it’s done? Will Beyoncé pull out all the stops as she preps to drop her latest album 4?
Nominated for Best Male R&B Artist awards, heartthrobs Chris Brown and Trey Songz will undoubtedly turn on the charm for the ladies. Will Chris Brown keep his shirt on for the studio audience or will he try to rev up his sex symbol status? Will Trey Songz seduce the audience with a soulful ballad or will he excite the crowd? Will Rihanna be in attendance to witness her former beau in action?
Young Money will be making a strong presentation in Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj – with Minaj up for three awards and a rumored squashing of the beef between her and Lil Kim. Will the YM collective all join in on each other’s set for the first time at an awards show or will the crew focus on their solo hits? Drake and Nicki Minaj kept the Young Money ship afloat while their captain was incarcerated and the team is back at full strength after Wayne’s release from prison last year.
Maybach Music Group mogul Rick Ross has had another monster year as the Florida rapper continues to grow his MMG record label roster and dole out smash hits at will. Will Rozay “bawse” up and bring out new signees Pill, Meek Mill, and Wale or will he attempt to steal the show with his own bevy of hit tunes? DJ Khaled, an ally of Ross, and fellow Floridian Ace are also set to hit the stage as well.
Although Nicki Minaj will also be rocking out with Britney Spears across town during the Femme Fatale tour stop in Anaheim the same night, the rapper is in contention with Lady Gaga, Chris Brown and boy band Mindless Behavior for the BET FANdemonium Award where fans vote on their favorite artists. However reports say Nicki will be in the building with fans wondering if the rumors of a Minaj and Lil Kim joint performance will hold true.
This year’s BET Awards is rife with subplots, big names and is sure to be filled with the top names in entertainment in their fashion forward best. Be sure to tune in to BET this coming Sunday evening (June 26) at 8pm ET for the live showing for the 2011 BET Awards.