LOS ANGELES – Amid awards for the top artists, actors and athletes, Steve Harvey was recognized for his humanitarian work at the BET Awards.
BET Chairman and Chief Executive Debra Lee called the 54-year-old entertainer "a true gentleman who acts like a comedian but thinks like a citizen of the world" as she presented him with the Humanitarian Award.
Harvey thanked God and his fellow philanthropists as he accepted the honor.
Patti LaBelle also accepted a special honor at Sunday's ceremony: Gladys Knight presented her with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"I plan to hold myself up higher because I've gotten this wonderful award," the 67-year-old singer said, and then she grabbed a microphone and sang a pair of hits, including the breakthrough "Lady Marmalade."
Harvey and LaBelle were among dozens of artists recognized at the BET Awards, which were presented at the Shrine Auditorium.
The night's leading nominee, Chris Brown won a pair of prizes early in the show. The 21-year-old singer was named best male R&B artist and won best collaboration for his song "Look At Me Now" with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes.
Brown accepted the collaboration award after performing a medley that including the winning track.
"Public-speaking is not my strong suit," he said, thanking BET and his fans before passing the microphone to Wayne, who expressed gratitude to Brown for including him on the track. Busta Rhymes rapped his acceptance.
Earlier in the ceremony, Brown also thanked his fans and the network: "I appreciate all the support. I know it's been a long road, so I appreciate every blessing in front of me."
Lil Wayne also came on stage when Nicki Minaj accepted her award for best female hip-hop artist.
"I can't believe for the first time I get to share a moment like this with the person who saw me rapping on a staircase," she said of the rapper and producer, who was incarcerated when she won the same prize last year. "Lil Wayne, I love you."
Minaj was joined by Justin Bieber to present the male hip-hop artist award later in the show. Kanye West won but wasn't on hand to accept the trophy.
Instead of traditional awards-show winners' envelopes, winners were revealed on a tablet device provided by Sprint.
Diddy Dirty Money was named best group. Jaden Smith and Willow Smith were also early winners. The son and daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith tied as winners of the Young Stars award.
But the show was really about the performances, which were plentiful. Mary J. Blige opened the ceremony, performing her hits "All Night Long" and "Real Love" before being joined by Anita Baker. The divas performed a duet of "Caught Up in the Rapture."
Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled and Ace Hood shared the stage for "Hustle Hard." Alicia Keys unveiled a new song, before lapsing into "A Woman's Worth," for which she was joined by Bruno Mars, and her hit, "Fallin'."
Jill Scott sang in a speakeasy setting. Trey Songz took off his shirt during his performance, even after host Kevin Hart said the young singer looks "like a beige greyhound" shirtless.
Donnie McClurkin kicked off a gospel celebration, with Mary Mary and Deitrick Haddon joining in to sing "Thank You."
Beyonce performed from across the pond: Her headlining set at the Glastonbury Music Festival was beamed into the Shrine from England.
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Sandy Cohen can be reached at www.twitter.com/APSandy.
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Online:
http://www.bet.com/betawards
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