The BET Awards is going virtual this year due to COVID-19.
According to Variety, BET will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the awards show on June 28, by way of “an array of innovative techniques and artist-generated content.”
“The BET Awards are a seminal event – the biggest celebration of Black culture, Black accomplishment, Black excellence, and Black potential,” said Scott Mills, President of BET. “Our community, and the many millions who love Black culture, look to the BET Awards for signature moments of enrichment, entertainment and empowerment. Recognizing the unique role the BET Awards plays for so many and the challenging times we find ourselves in, we know it was more important than ever to deliver the BET Awards in 2020.”
Nominations and performances for the awards show will be announced at a later date. The three-day BET Experience has been canceled and will return next year. Refunds will be issued to anyone who purchased tickets.
Last year, Regina Hall hosted the event, which featured performances by Cardi B, Meek Mill, Offset, H.E.R., YBN Cordae, Lil Nas X and more. Mary J. Blige received the Lifetime Achievement Award and was joined by Method Man and Lil Kim for her 20-minute set. Nipsey Hussle was posthumously honored with the Humanitarian Award for his philanthropy. His family took the stage to accept the award on his behalf.
“At BET, we place the health and safety of attendees, staff, vendors and partners first, which is why the biggest night in Black entertainment will go on implementing this innovative production direction,“ said Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President and Head of Original Programming at BET. “Despite the challenges of today, we will deliver a show filled with larger than life, inspiring, empowering and entertaining moments, which have shown the magic of our culture for over two decades.”