Celebrating Beyoncé At The BET Awards: A Thread

Tonight will mark 20 years since BET launched their annual award show in 2001 and no artist's performances and presence have defined the BET Awards quite like Beyoncé. As usual, I kindly implore you to QUOTE not reply. Enjoy.

19 years ago (I made an error in the above tweet), the first ever BET Awards were held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Steve Harvey and Cedric The Entertainer served as hosts while the show was attended by some of the biggest names in Black entertainment at the time.

Destiny's Child at the 1st Annual BET Awards (2001)

Former President of Programming for BET, Stephen Hill, noted that it was challenging to get celebs for the inaugural show. However, Destiny’s Child were enthusiastic about performing. They were the FIRST artists to perform at the BET Awards.

Destiny’s Child perform ‘Bootylicious’ at the 2001 BET Awards. Solange was their back-up dancer at the time.

Destiny's Child picked up an award for Best Female Group that night. Other nominees in the category included Mary Mary, 3LW, 702 and Blaque.

In 2003, Beyoncé made her debut as a solo artist with the release of ‘Dangerously In Love’. The BET Awards that year, marked the first time she performed her now-classic single, ‘Crazy In Love’. The pressure was on but she delivered.

Beyoncé rehearsing for the 2003 BET Awards.

Beyoncé performs ‘Crazy In Love’ at the 2003 BET Awards. The birth of a superstar. This performance was just a teaser of what we would come to expect from her: flashy stage set designs, vocals, sexy choreography and of course, those legs.

Beyoncé in Versace at the 2003 BET Awards. She wore a purple variation of the orange dress from the 'Crazy In Love' music video.

Stephen Hill and Dana Blair of Essence Magazine on Beyoncé's 2003 BET Awards performance. That night was truly her coming out party.

Beyoncé on her alter-ego, Sasha Fierce, "taking over" for her at the 2003 BET Awards in a 2006 interview for BET. It was her idea to dance atop a giant ramp in the likeness of her name.

Ok so before I move on I realized that I missed out this very important moment of Destiny's Child meeting Patti LaBelle backstage at the 2001 BET Awards during an interview with E! News. So cute. https://twitter.com/Coolness1994/status/1271229609590296577?s=20

A year after she made a splash with her debut album, Beyoncé returned to the BET Awards in 2004. This time, she simply came as a nominee. I believe her dress was by Valentino. She looked STUNNING.

When people talk about the BET Awards, Mo’Nique is often cited as the best host EVER. To open the 2004 show, she paid tribute to Beyoncé with a sizzling dance performance of ‘Crazy In Love’. I will always love this ICONIC moment.

Mo’Nique’s lil’ skit at the end of her dance was HILARIOUS! “Beyoncé... Okay gurl.”

Beyoncé picked up two trophies at the 2004 BET Awards. One for Best Female R&B Artist (her first of 10 wins) which she dedicated to Mo'Nique. Also, R.I.P. to Teena Marie and Rick James (this clip cuts off right before he declared to America, "I'm Rick James, bitch!").

Beyoncé wins Best Collaboration for 'Crazy In Love' at the 2004 BET Awards.

Beyoncé and Vivica A. Fox at the 2004 BET Awards.

During Ron Isley's Lifetime Achievement Award speech, he shouted out Beyoncé and Jay-Z which appeared to make the then-discreet couple blush By 2004, it was obvious they were dating but both of them never publicly discussed it.

In 2005, Destiny's Child made their return to the BET Awards. The trio looked gorgeous in purple.

Destiny Child’s performance of ‘Cater 2 U’ is hands down one of the sexiest and most memorable BET Award moments ever! The ladies gave Terrence Howard, Nelly and Magic Johnson that work!

Pictures of Beyoncé's body in this brown dress because why not?

Terrence Howard's facial expressions were priceless, lmao!

Executive producer at BET, Jesse Collins, revealed that the decision for DC to bring up three male celebs for a dance came at the last minute. In fact, Michael Jordan was approached first but Magic Johnson quickly made it known he was down before Mike could give an answer, lol.

Destiny's Child also won Best Group at the 2005 BET Awards. I used to have the full clip somewhere but I can't find anymore

In 2006, Beyoncé took to the BET Awards stage once again to launch an album era (‘B’Day’). It was the first time she performed lead single, ‘Deja Vu’. By this point, her command of the stage had grown and 0:28 was the ass tap seen around the world.

Beyoncé performs at the 2006 BET Awards. A legendary moment.

Beyoncé with Jay-z at the 2006 BET Awards.

A behind the scenes look at Beyoncé’s 2006 BET Awards performance.

A year later, Beyoncé attended the 2007 BET Awards in a shimmering Dolce & Gabbana gown. One of her best red carpet looks.

Beyoncé interviewed by Giuliana Rancic at the 2007 BET Awards.

Once again, Mo'Nique was tapped as host for the BET Awards and she used her opening performance to pay homage to her favorite artist. This time, she and dancers danced to 'Deja Vu'.

"You are truly the Queen at what you do. And keep giving it to us. We respect you, we love you, we honor you and every time you move, Imma move. Just like that."

- Mo'Nique on Beyoncé (2007)

Beyoncé performs ‘Get Me Bodied’ at the 2007 BET Awards. I remember watching this live and cheering her on! She also used the opportunity to celebrate other women as she brought out Kelly, Michelle, Solange and Mo’Nique (videos for that below).

Beyoncé, Michelle, Solange and Mo’Nique perform ‘Get Me Bodied’ at the 2007 BET Awards.

Kelly Rowland and Eve perform ‘Like This’ at the 2007 BET Awards. The nearly 8 minute performance by Beyoncé, Kelly, Eve, Michelle, Solange and Mo’Nique was truly one for the books. Nothing like beautiful and talented Black women coming together.

Beyoncé performs at the 2007 BET Awards.

At the 2007 BET Awards, Beyoncé took home awards for Best Female R&B Artist and Video of the Year for 'Irreplaceable', which she shared with the video's director, Anthony Mandler.

Beyoncé receives Best Female R&B Artist at the 2007 BET Award. It was presented by Nelly, Akon, Lil Wayne with appearances by their kids. She was so cute

In 2009, Beyoncé attended the BET Awards where she once again received Best Female R&B Artist and Video of The Year for 'Single Ladies'.

The 2009 BET Awards were thrown into a state of flux when Michael Jackson died 3 days prior. Beyoncé used her beautiful performance of ‘Angel’ by Sarah McLachlan and ‘Ave Maria’ as a tribute to him. The strobe lights echoed MJ’s ‘Rock With You’ video.

Beyoncé made her first appearance after having Blue at the 2012 BET Awards. When Mindless Behavior took a dig at Lauryn Hill's legal troubles, Bey made sure to credit her in her speech. She also dedicated her award for Best Female R&B Artist to the late Whitney Houston.

Beyoncé also won Video Director of The Year for 'Party' alongside then-husband of her sister Solange, Alan Ferguson.

The 2012 BET Awards were a family affair for The Carters as both Bey and Jay playfully competed in the Video of The Year category with 'Love On Top' and 'Otis' respectively. This would be one of the last notable times Jay and Kanye would appear friendly in public.

Beyoncé in Stéphane Rolland Couture at the 2012 BET Awards.

Beyoncé would not make another appearance at the BET Awards for another 4 years until 2016. Even then, she had her dancers appear in 'Formation' on the red carpet.

Beyoncé and Kendrick perform ‘Freedom’ at the 2016 BET Awards. I can’t believe she ran up their water bill and dipped Also, I must say that Kendrick is one of the few performers to match Beyoncé’s powerful stage presence. They were amazing together.

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar perform at the 2016 BET Awards.

Tonight, Beyoncé will be honored with the prestigious "BET Humanitarian Award" at the 2020 BET Awards for her philanthropic efforts done through her BeyGood Foundation. I will post the video for her speech in the thread when it airs.

Michelle Obama introduced Beyoncé for her 2020 Humanitarian Award. The video package also included testimonials from her mother Tina Knowles, Tyler Perry, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Sybrina Fulton and more. Congrats Queen

And that marks the end of the thread (for now). Beyoncé has played a big part in BET history. From her electrifying performances to the way she uses her platform to shine light on Black social issues. She is an absolute legend. Thanks for tuning in and until my next thread....