BET Awards

It was reported on July 1, 2012 that the BET Awards took place in Los Angeles on July 1, 2012. The winners included Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Jay-Z and his wife Beyoncé.

The annual BET Awards celebrate black musicians, actors and athletes, giving out awards in 20 categories at a show that airs on the cable TV network, BET.

The show kicked off with a Kanye joining 2 Chainz and eventual Best New Artist winner Big Sean to perform their rap hit “Mercy,”. West, brought Kim Kardashian as his date to the awards. She joined Beyonce and rapper Nicki Minaj in the front row of the audience at the show.

Samuel L. Jackson, the show’s host, was joined by Spike Lee as they did a comedic version of Jay-Z and West’s hit song “… In Paris,” to laughs

The night featured an extensive Whitney Houston tribute. Mariah Carey opened the tribute followed by Monica, Brandy (who sang “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”), Whitney’s mother Cissy Houston (singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water”), and Chaka Khan with “I’m Every Woman.”

Entire segments of performances from Nicki Minaj to Rick Ross were muted out due to foul language.

Kanye West was the top nominee for seven awards followed by Beyonce with six and her rapper husband Jay-Z with five.

Frankie Beverly was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Check out the full list of the night’s winners below:

Best Group: The Throne (Kanye West & Jay-Z)

Best Actor: Kevin Hart

Best New Artist: Big Sean

Best Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown

Best Collaboration: Wale ft. Miguel

Best Gospel: Yolanda Adams

Best Female R&B Artist: Beyoncé

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj

Lifetime Achievement Award: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

Video Of The Year: “Otis,” The Throne (Kanye West & Jay-Z)

BET Humanitarian Award: Rev. Al Sharpton

Viewers’ Choice Award: Mindless Behavior

Video Director Of The Year: Beyoncé & Alan Ferguson

AOL Fandemonium Award: Chris Brown