Kanye West Leads BET Award Winners Plus Keys, Ne-Yo, Lil Wayne Issue Rousing Performances

Kanye West led Tuesday’s 8th Annual BET Award winners earning Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Best Collaboration amongst a night full of rousing performances, show stopping reunions and unforgettable moments.

Kicking off the night, Usher performed his hit “Love In This Club” in a pyrotechnic filled and highly choreographed set setting the pace for an energy filled night of amazing performances. But the ladies claimed the night, when Alicia Keys took the stage to perform her latest hit “Teenage Love Affair” later unveiling a line up of iconic R&B female groups including SWV, En Vouge and TLC. Performing hits including SWV’s “Weak,” En Vouge’s “Hold On,” and TLC’s “Waterfalls,” the ladies brought the house down. Even Kanye West was on his feet, singing along.

"This performance was surreal," SWV's Leanne Lyons said backstage. "When we got the call that Alicia Keys was one of our biggest fans and that she wanted one of her favorite groups from the '90s to perform with her, it humbled us."

Five-Time nominee, T-Pain hit the stage twice at the awards sporting his iced out top hat stating "This industry is my circus," "Ride with the ringleader." The “ringmaster” shared the stage with Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Big Boi, later joining Lil Wayne who closed out the show with “A Milli” and “Lollipop.”

In addition to performances from Rihanna, Keyshia Cole, Young Jeezy and a surprisingly dance filled performance from Ne Yo, the tribute to Al Green, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award quickly became one of the nights most memorable moments. Presented by John Legend, Green’s tribute kicked off with Jill Scott’s performance of “Still In Love,” followed by Anthony Hamilton and an unexpected performance from R&B/Soul singer Maxwell who ushered in Green’s performance of the classic hits “Let’s Stay Together” and “Love and Happiness.”

Queen Latifah introduced Humanitarian Award recipient Quincy Jones, calling him "an international artist, an innovator ... and a leader." "He showed us black entertainment is more than just a hustle," she said. "It's more than just selling albums. It's about inspiration."

Jones said growing up on the south side of Chicago during the depression moved him to give back to people in need. "My piece of bread only belongs to me if everybody has a piece to eat," he said.

Receiving the award "is one of the very treasured moments of my life," Jones said, "and I always hope to live up to this honor."

The following is a complete list of winners from the BET AWARDS '08:

Best Female R&B Artist
Alicia Keys

Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Brown
Best Group
UGK

Best Gospel Artist
Marvin Sapp

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Missy Elliott

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Kanye West

Best New Artist
The Dream

Best Collaboration
Kanye West f/ T-Pain "Good Life"

Best Video Director
Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto

Video of the Year
UGK f/ Outkast "International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)"

Best Actor
Denzel Washington

Best Actress
Halle Berry

Male Athlete of the Year
Kobe Bryant

Female Athlete of the Year
Candace Parker

BET J Award
Raheem DeVaughn

Viewers' Choice Award
Lil Wayne f/ Static "Lollipop"

In addition to awards announced during the show, BET issued several awards during the 106 & Park - Live From The Red Carpet Show as follows:

Shut Up and Dance Award
Soulja Boy - “Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)”

LOL - Laugh Out Loud Award
Hot Stylz f/ Yung Joc “Lookin’ Boy”

Drama Kings & Queens Award
Alicia Keys “Teenage Love Affair”

Life of the Party Award
Florida “Low”

Follow @singersroom