The annual BET Awards is set to return live from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25, 2023, with a special focus on celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. The event, which honors Black excellence in entertainment, music, and culture, is expected to be a memorable and star-studded affair.
In 2022, the BET Awards adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring virtual performances and pre-recorded segments. Despite these adjustments, the event still managed to attract a combined audience of 3.7 million viewers across various platforms, showcasing its significance in the awards show landscape. Taraji P. Henson served as the host for the 2022 BET Awards.
“We are thrilled to be back in LA for BET Awards 2023 and to celebrate a huge cultural milestone – the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop,” said Connie Orlando, executive vice president, specials, music programming & music strategy at BET. “For five decades, Hip Hop has not only influenced American culture but has become a global phenomenon and one of the most influential musical genres of our lifetime. From music to fashion, art, and entertainment, we are honored to have always provided a platform for Hip Hop to thrive. We look forward to paying tribute to the pioneers and innovators as we amplify the new generation of Hip Hop artists like only BET can.”
The 2023 BET Awards aims to build on this success by returning to a live format, drawing more viewers and increased engagement. The highest-rated show in the program’s history occurred in 2009, when 10.6 million viewers tuned in. The outstanding viewership that year can be attributed to the heartfelt tribute to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, which took place just days after his passing.
Orlando will oversee and executive produce the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, VP, specials, music programming & music strategy to co-executive produce for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as executive producers.
As the BET Awards prepares for its 2023 live event, it remains a testament to the influence and importance of Black culture within the entertainment industry. The celebration of Hip Hop’s milestone anniversary will not only pay homage to its roots but will also serve as a platform to showcase the continued growth and future of the genre.
According to a Billboard report, the BET Awards has been the top-rated cable award show among all adults 18-49 the past two years, and has been the No. 1 cable award show among Black adults 18-49 for the past 21 years.
