First BET Awards

In light of June being Black Music Month, Black Entertainment Television kicked off its first ever BET Awards on June 19, 2001. Stars from music, movies and sports showed up at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas to present and accept awards from the cable network.

Performing were Outkast, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Jay-Z, Patti Labelle with Donnie McClurkin, Lil’ Bow Bow with Shaquille O’Neal, and Eve with Gwen Stefani from No Doubt.

Whitney Houston was the celebrity of the night, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Luther Vandross paid a musical tribute, as did Christina Aguilera who sang Houston’s “Run To You.” Houston also sang a couple of songs, which were of course followed by a standing ovation.

“I’m every woman! I’m a survivor,” she said after being presented the award by her mother Cissy Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown. Keeping her sense of humor she said, “I got this. You better lay low,” to an audience member who yelled out “Thank Bobby!”

The award adds to the six Grammies she has to her name. “The best is yet to come,” she said.

The only multiple award winners were Outkast, grabbing Best Male Group and Video Of The Year with “Ms. Jackson.” The group’s “Stankonia” has sold 3 million copies in the United States alone. Destiny’s Child took home one award for Best Female group even though they were nominated for three awards. Nelly received Best New Artist while Lil Bow Bow got the Viewer’s Choice Award for “What’s My Name.”

Recognition was also given to movie and sports stars. Denzel Washington received Best Actor In A Film for his movie, “Remember The Titans.” “Love And Basketball” newcomer Sanaa Lathan got the Best Actress In A Film award. Olympic gold medal winner Marion Jones received the Female Athlete Of The Year award. Though Shaq was there performing and presenting awards, NBA Championship rival Allen Iverson got the award of Male Athlete Of The Year.

Entire List Of Award Winners:
Lifetime achievement: Whitney Houston
Viewer's choice: Lil Bow Wow, "What's My Name"
New artist: Nelly
Male group: Outkast
Female group: Destiny's Child
Male R&B artist: Musiq Soulchild
Female R&B artist: Mary J. Blige
Male hip-hop artist: Jay Z
Female hip-hop artist: Eve
Gospel artist: Donnie McClurkin
Video of the year: Outkast, "Ms. Jackson'"
Actor in a film: Denzel Washington, "Remember the Titans"
Actress in a film: Sanaa Lathan, "Love and Basketball"
Male athlete of the year: Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers)

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