At the 2024 BET Awards, Usher received the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his extensive career marked by musical innovation and cultural impact. The event, co-hosted by Taraji P. Henson and aired live from Downtown Los Angeles on BET, honored Usher's illustrious path with a star-studded tribute and a profoundly personal speech that deeply touched viewers, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The tribute, orchestrated by iconic producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, began with an evocative video montage tracing Usher's transformation from a budding talent to a worldwide sensation. Subsequent performances highlighted his diverse hits, commencing with Childish Gambino's heartfelt version of 'U Don't Have to Call' and Keke Palmer's vibrant rendition of 'You Make Me Wanna...'. Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chloe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monet, and Latto each took turns on stage, passionately interpreting Usher's timeless songs, mesmerizing the crowd and visibly affecting the award recipient.
Post-tribute, Usher, dressed in a white jacket and jeans, stepped onto the stage visibly moved yet poised, delivering a poignant speech that explored themes of family, parenthood, and reconciliation. 'Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it,' he commented, expressing his appreciation for his journey, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Usher's speech also touched on his personal struggles, notably the absence of his father during his formative years. 'I was trying to make sense of this name a man gave me that didn't stick around because he didn't love me,' he disclosed, emphasizing the value of forgiveness and presence in fatherhood. He also acknowledged his ex-wife, Tameka Foster, and the symbolic significance of his song 'Good Good', marking a fresh chapter in his life. Usher stressed the importance of forgiveness in personal development, encouraging the audience to adopt openness and empathy.
Surrounded by his family, including wife Jennifer Goicoechea Raymond, mother Jonnetta Patton, sons Naviyd Raymond and Usher 'Cinco' Raymond V, and brother J. Lack, Usher's stage presence highlighted the evening's theme of familial support and endurance. Additionally, Usher was recognized as the Best R&B/Hip-Hop Artist during the ceremony.
