The 2015 BET Awards show is just two days away, and the network continues to name performers for the event. It was just revealed that The Weeknd and Alicia Keys will perform at the awards show. They join the list of entertainers who have already been announced as performers, and those artists include Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, Meek Mill, Ne-Yo, Janelle Monae, and Robin Thicke. Pop legend Janet Jackson will be honored with the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award- Jackson will be the first artist to receive the award. A dance tribute for the icon will also take place at the show with performances by Tinashe, Jason Derulo, and Ciara.
The BET Awards will also honor Smokey Robinson and Tom Joyner. Robinson will receive the Lifetime Achievement award for his countless contributions to the music business. Not only was Robinson the VP of the legendary Motown Records, but he was also a prolific singer and songwriter. Some of his biggest songwriting credits include “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Cruisin’,” “Ain’t That Peculiar” (Marvin Gaye), “My Girl” (Temptations), and “My Guy” (Mary Wells). Radio personality Tom Joyner will receive the Humanitarian Award. His Tom Joyner Foundation has raised over $60 million dollars for students attending historically black colleges and universities.
Although it has not been confirmed, there are rumors circulating that some of Bad Boy Records’ artists will reunite onstage. According to reports, P. Diddy, Lil Kim (was never officially signed to Bad Boy but was an affiliate of the label), Faith Evans, and Ma$e will take the stage at the show. Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, Bad Boy was one of the biggest record labels in the business.
Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj lead all nominees with six nominations a piece. Brown is up for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, Best Collaboration (“New Flame”) and (“Loyal”), Viewers’ Choice Award (featured on Nicki Minaj’s “Only”), and Video of the Year (“New Flame”) and (“Loyal”). Minaj’s nominations include Best Collaboration (featured on August Alsina’s “No Love” Remix), Best Female Artist, Video of the Year (“Anaconda”), Viewers’ Choice Award (featured on Rae Sremmurd’s “Throw Sum Mo”) and (“Only”), and Best Female Hip Hop Artist. The BET Awards will broadcast live on June 28th at 8pm(Eastern standard time). The show will be co-hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson, who both star on ABC’s Black-ish.