The 16 Greatest BET Awards Performances of All Time

From unforgettable tributes to career-defining solo sets, these are the moments that stopped time on the BET stage — legends and rising stars who owned the night. Which performance earns the crown?

1

Chris Brown 2010

A breathtaking Michael Jackson tribute one year after MJ's death — moonwalks, flips, and raw emotion in a show-stopping set.

1000pts

2

Beyoncé 2007

Her iconic 'Get Me Bodied' set backed by an all-female band, widely called one of the greatest BET performances ever.

999pts

3

Destiny's Child 2005

One of the group's final performances together before disbanding, performing 'Cater 2 U' in an intimate, stunning send-off.

733pts

4

Mary J. Blige 2008

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul delivered one of her most emotionally resonant BET sets, voice and presence on full display.

727pts

5

Beyoncé 2003

Her explosive solo debut performing 'Crazy In Love,' announcing a superstar in the making.

727pts

6

Rihanna 2006

A star-making performance during her breakout year, cementing her as one of pop and R&B's most exciting new forces.

641pts

7

Beyoncé Jay-Z 2006

A magnetic joint performance of 'Deja Vu' with Jay-Z, electric chemistry on the BET stage.

641pts

8

James Brown 2003

The Godfather of Soul delivered a legendary performance alongside a surprise cameo from Michael Jackson.

641pts

9

Nicki Minaj 2010

An explosive debut BET performance during the rise of rap's most dominant female voice in years.

641pts

10

Whitney Houston 2001

An emotionally raw Lifetime Achievement performance marking Whitney's triumphant return to the stage.

589pts

11

The Fugees 2005

A surprise reunion after nearly a decade apart, reminding the world why Lauryn Hill, Wyclef, and Pras are legends.

589pts

12

Usher Beyoncé 2004

A sizzling duet performance of 'Bad Girl' between two of R&B's biggest stars at their commercial peak.

589pts

13

Prince Tribute 2016

Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, Sheila E., and Charlie Wilson united for a tearful, soaring tribute to the late Prince.

589pts

14

Kendrick Lamar 2013

A commanding performance that announced Kendrick as rap's new standard-bearer, raw and precise in equal measure.

589pts

15

Cardi B 2018

A triumphant post-Invasion of Privacy performance that sealed her status as the biggest female rapper on the planet.

458pts

16

Lil Wayne 2008

At the absolute peak of his powers, Wayne delivered a ferocious set that reminded everyone why he was the best rapper alive.

374pts