Fans React Strongly to Usher’s Emotional BET Awards Speech: ‘Full On Muted’

Usher has Got Us Fallin’ In Love with him all over again!

The legendary singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and entrepreneur took the stage at the 2024 BET Awards to receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. His heartfelt speech moved his longtime fans to tears.

The 45-year-old artist, who has led a prolific and highly influential career over the past three decades, was honored with the award presented by producers Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, L.A. Reid, and Babyface at the 2024 BET Awards ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday, June 30.

Usher began his acceptance speech by sharing with the audience: “Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it. I didn’t write anything because I wanted this moment to be exactly what it was: present. In this moment, how I am feeling and the appreciation that I have for each and every person that had anything to do with this moment tonight as well as the 30-plus-year career that I celebrate… I don’t know, man, is it too early to receive it? Because I’m still runnin’ and gunnin’ like I did when I was eight years old.”

The legendary musician then reflected on growing up without his father, pleading with others not to turn their backs on their kids. “That’s part of the reason why I say this is the year of the father, where all the fathers gotta stand up for their sons and daughters and be the man that they need them to be for them,” he said before asking the fathers in the room to stand up as he hyped them up.

Usher also spoke about forgiveness, saying he was “turning over a new leaf.”

“We’ve got to be willing to forgive, we’ve got to be willing to be open,” he added. “I’m telling you, you’re standing before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up ever. And look what I made with it. Look what I was able to ‘usher’ in. But that’s what’s real, that’s what makes us human, that’s what makes us women and men.”

However, not everyone caught the entirety of his 12-or-so minute speech, especially those not in the theater, as the broadcast’s audio cut out nearly four minutes of it–something fans were quick to call out online.

According to a Billboard reporter inside the awards show, Usher used profanity during his speech. A representative for the awards show did not respond to the outlet’s request for comment, so it remains unclear if the audio cut-out was intentional.

Still, the audible portion of Usher’s speech, along with Keke Palmer’s tribute to the star, left viewers moved.

Usher now joins a group of fellow global icons who have also received the same honor in previous years, including the likes of Whitney Houston, Prince, Lionel Richie, Busta Rhymes, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, and other legendary artists.

“The relationship between BET and Usher spans decades, from his multiple appearances on 106 & Park to most recently winning the Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 55th NAACP Image Awards,” said Connie Orlando, BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, in a statement last month. “From his chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and unforgettable vocals, to his signature moves and sound, Usher continues to stand on culture, setting new standards for the music industry and Black Excellence.”

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Usher was also up for four awards at this year’s show, including Album of the Year for Coming Home, Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, and Best Collaboration and Best Video for “Good Good” featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage. He took home the award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist at the ceremony.

This year has undoubtedly been significant for Usher. He tied the knot with Jennifer Goicoechea in Las Vegas in February, just hours before headlining the Super Bowl Halftime show at Allegiant Stadium.

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Source: BET Awards