June 25, 2003

BMI Stars Shine at BET Awards

The 3rd Annual Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards were held last night (6/24) at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, honoring the year's best hip-hop and R&B artists, as well as some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. Hosted by artist Mo'nique, the BET Awards also bestowed the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award to BMI artist James Brown. Fellow BMI artist Michael Jackson presented the surprised "Godfather of Soul" with the award and remained on stage while assisting him with his signature cape. Brown was also honored as an ICON at last year's BMI Urban Awards.

Other winners included BMI's Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams, who captured the Best Collaboration award for their hit "Beautiful," while R. Kelly tied for Best Male R&B Artist. Yolanda Adams won Best Gospel Artist in a category dominated by BMI artists.

BMI also congratulates our 3rd Annual BET Award nominees:

Best Group
The Roots
Floetry

Best Female R&B Artist
Heather Headley

Best Collaboration
" Love of My Life" featuring Common

Video of the Year
Eminem
"Lose Yourself"

Best Actor
Mos Def

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Eminem
Snoop Dogg

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Lil' Kim

Best New Artist
Floetry
Heather Headley

Best Gospel Artist
Donnie McClurkin
Kirk Franklin
Smokie Norful

BMI represents more than 500,000 songwriters, composers, and publishers with more than 7.5 million works.