Williams And Richie Are BET Award Winners

A fatal shooting cast a shadow over the BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday where Pharrell Williams, Nicki Minaj and Lionel Richie led the winners.

Richie, 65, was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his career in The Commodores and as a solo artist.

“Soul is a feeling, not a colour. Talent is a God given gift and not a category, and out of the box is the magical place where true talent goes to thrive and breathe,” Richie said as he accepted the award.

One person was killed and five injured in two separate incidents ahead of the show which celebrated black musicians, actors and artists at the Nokia Theatre.

The events were “unauthorised and unaffiliated with the BET Awards,” BET said in a statement.

“The network and all organisers will continue to maintain a safe environment for all planned activities,” the statement said.

Pharrell walked away with best R&B/pop artist, which was presented to him by England footballer Daniel Sturridge.

His hit single Happy won best video.

New Orleans singer Alsina was named best new artist and Lil Wayne’s rap collective Young Money scored best group.

Drake won best male hip hop artist, but was not available to collect his award.

Minaj was named best female hip hop artist and threw a little dig at other rappers by saying: “When you hear Nicki Minaj spit, Nicki Minaj wrote it.”

Comedian Chris Rock hosted the show, throwing jokes and jibes and handing out chicken and waffles to the audience, copying Ellen DeGeneres’ pizza party at the Academy Awards in March.

The ceremony featured high-profile performances from some of the music world’s biggest names.

Usher referenced his 20-year career with a medley of his hits, Minaj performed Pills N’ Potions on a stage with giant psychedelic mushrooms and R&B star Chris Brown, who was recently released from prison, joined Lil Wayne to perform Loyal.

Robin Thicke, who sang and played piano, dedicated his performance of Forever Love to his estranged wife Paula Patton.

He said: “I miss you and I’m sorry” and the performance ended with a photo of the former couple.

Australian newcomer Iggy Azalea joined rapper T.I. to perform No Mediocre and her hit single Fancy.

Oscar-winning historical drama 12 Years A Slave swept the film categories with Oscar-winning newcomer Lupita Nyong’o named best actress and Chiwetel Ejiofor named best actor. Neither were on hand to accept their awards.

Williams And Richie Are BET Award Winners