Music News
Music News
Foo Fighters will return to the stage this week.
The 'Best of You' rockers are set to make their live comeback later this week in Washington DC as they kick off their North American tour, just weeks after frontman Dave Grohl broke his leg falling off a stage in Sweden.
Announcing their excitement about the show on Saturday (04.07.15) on Twitter, they wrote: "Can't f***ing wait for the 4th!!! See you at home, DC."
The band previously had to pull out of a series of European shows including their headline set at Glastonbury which was scheduled for Friday night (26.06.15), but were instead replaced by Florence + the Machine, who had been scheduled to play immediately before them at the iconic music event.
However, the 'Say My Name' hitmakers paid tribute to the band during their performance by covering their hit 'Times Like These'.
Introducing the track, front woman Florence Welch said: "Thank you so much. We would like to dedicate this next song to the legend and all-round incredible human being Dave Grohl.
"He was so incredibly kind and supportive to us when we were first starting out, and we were so sad to hear he'd broke his leg because we love him so much.
"Dave, if you are listening - we love you! We all love you - and we hope through the Glastonbury ley lines that this gets to you. We're sending you so much love. This song's for you, Dave."
Foo Fighters returning to stage
Foo Fighters will return to the stage this week.
The 'Best of You' rockers are set to make their live comeback later this week in Washington DC as they kick off their North American tour, just weeks after frontman Dave Grohl broke his leg falling off a stage in Sweden.
Announcing their excitement about the show on Saturday (04.07.15) on Twitter, they wrote: "Can't f***ing wait for the 4th!!! See you at home, DC."
The band previously had to pull out of a series of European shows including their headline set at Glastonbury which was scheduled for Friday night (26.06.15), but were instead replaced by Florence + the Machine, who had been scheduled to play immediately before them at the iconic music event.
However, the 'Say My Name' hitmakers paid tribute to the band during their performance by covering their hit 'Times Like These'.
Introducing the track, front woman Florence Welch said: "Thank you so much. We would like to dedicate this next song to the legend and all-round incredible human being Dave Grohl.
"He was so incredibly kind and supportive to us when we were first starting out, and we were so sad to hear he'd broke his leg because we love him so much.
"Dave, if you are listening - we love you! We all love you - and we hope through the Glastonbury ley lines that this gets to you. We're sending you so much love. This song's for you, Dave."
Music News
Britney Spears has hit back at Iggy Azalea.
The 33-year-old singer posted a snide tweet believed to be about the rapper after the 'Fancy' hitmaker hinted the pair's collaboration 'Pretty Girls' failed to achieve chart success because Britney wouldn't promote it properly.
Referring to Iggy's US 'Great Escape' tour - which she recently cancelled because she wanted "a break" - she wrote: "Can't wait to get back to Vegas. So thankful I have shows for the rest of the year to look forward to... #YouWantAPieceOfMe (sic)."
The 25-year-old star - who got engaged to basketball player Nick Young earlier this month - had made her comments after a Twitter user suggested the single the pair recorded had "flopped a little bit".
She responded: "its difficult to send a song up the charts without additional promo and tv performances etc. unfortunately im just featured...
"i would have enjoyed performing it alot, i think it got off to a powerful start. but you need content to compete in 2015. (sic)"
Iggy returned to the social media site later in the day to respond to Britney's fans who criticised her for her comments, insisting the pair are "genuine friends".
She added: "My comment is factual, it applies to any song. I dont have to suck the womans a*shole 24/7 to be her friend, do i? bye girls
"Genuine friends have genuine opinions. Its possible & healthy to have a differing thought without it being b***hy or shade. (sic)"
Britney Spears hits back at Iggy Azalea
Britney Spears has hit back at Iggy Azalea.
The 33-year-old singer posted a snide tweet believed to be about the rapper after the 'Fancy' hitmaker hinted the pair's collaboration 'Pretty Girls' failed to achieve chart success because Britney wouldn't promote it properly.
Referring to Iggy's US 'Great Escape' tour - which she recently cancelled because she wanted "a break" - she wrote: "Can't wait to get back to Vegas. So thankful I have shows for the rest of the year to look forward to... #YouWantAPieceOfMe (sic)."
The 25-year-old star - who got engaged to basketball player Nick Young earlier this month - had made her comments after a Twitter user suggested the single the pair recorded had "flopped a little bit".
She responded: "its difficult to send a song up the charts without additional promo and tv performances etc. unfortunately im just featured...
"i would have enjoyed performing it alot, i think it got off to a powerful start. but you need content to compete in 2015. (sic)"
Iggy returned to the social media site later in the day to respond to Britney's fans who criticised her for her comments, insisting the pair are "genuine friends".
She added: "My comment is factual, it applies to any song. I dont have to suck the womans a*shole 24/7 to be her friend, do i? bye girls
"Genuine friends have genuine opinions. Its possible & healthy to have a differing thought without it being b***hy or shade. (sic)"
Music News
Judge Jules was left baffled when he arrived at a gig to find Nick Frost in his dressing room.
The legendary DJ admitted he had no idea who the actor was, despite Nick starring in a number of high profile projects including 'Hot Fuzz', 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Snow White and the Huntsman'.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Judge Jules, whose real name is Julius O'Riordan, said: "Recently, probably a month or so ago, a guy called Nick Frost who's in 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Shaun of the Dead' was just in my dressing room when I arrived at my gig which I found very bizarre. I didn't actually recognise him at the time and it was a bit surreal that he was there, but he's a very well known actor in the UK."
Of course Nick is not Jules' only celebrity fan and his famous club night Judgement Fridays has just started its 15th season in Ibiza. This year he will be joined by fellow Kiss FM DJ Charlie on a number of the nights.
Jules explained that it's "the longest standing DJ residency in Ibiza history".
He added: "It's always been about bringing along DJs that I'm very friendly with and having them perform on the bill with me."
While he has had some epic afterparties over the years, Jules believes less is more and enjoys the "occasional blowout" rather than partying every night.
He said: "We've had a few afterparties but I try to draw a bit of a line between home life and crazy DJ work life so I wouldn't say that every week after I finish at the club we have mad afterparties, but we've had a few. I think it's better to be somebody who treats afterparties as being an occasional blowout rather than one of those individuals who's always out until crazy-o-clock because if you are like that it will actually shorten your life expectancy in the end."
Judge Jules didn’t recognise Nick Frost
Judge Jules was left baffled when he arrived at a gig to find Nick Frost in his dressing room.
The legendary DJ admitted he had no idea who the actor was, despite Nick starring in a number of high profile projects including 'Hot Fuzz', 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Snow White and the Huntsman'.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Judge Jules, whose real name is Julius O'Riordan, said: "Recently, probably a month or so ago, a guy called Nick Frost who's in 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Shaun of the Dead' was just in my dressing room when I arrived at my gig which I found very bizarre. I didn't actually recognise him at the time and it was a bit surreal that he was there, but he's a very well known actor in the UK."
Of course Nick is not Jules' only celebrity fan and his famous club night Judgement Fridays has just started its 15th season in Ibiza. This year he will be joined by fellow Kiss FM DJ Charlie on a number of the nights.
Jules explained that it's "the longest standing DJ residency in Ibiza history".
He added: "It's always been about bringing along DJs that I'm very friendly with and having them perform on the bill with me."
While he has had some epic afterparties over the years, Jules believes less is more and enjoys the "occasional blowout" rather than partying every night.
He said: "We've had a few afterparties but I try to draw a bit of a line between home life and crazy DJ work life so I wouldn't say that every week after I finish at the club we have mad afterparties, but we've had a few. I think it's better to be somebody who treats afterparties as being an occasional blowout rather than one of those individuals who's always out until crazy-o-clock because if you are like that it will actually shorten your life expectancy in the end."
Music News
Adam Lambert says there is "less ego" in his music these days.
The former 'American Idol' contestant is more confident in his abilities than ever before and believes this comes through in his third album, 'The Original High'.
Speaking to Flaunt magazine, he said: "I think I feel more confident in my talent than I did before, and more clear in my direction. I don't feel I have to assert myself as much, which means there's a lot less ego in the music."
Adam, 33, was once best known for his elaborate costumes with extreme hair and make-up but as his sound has developed, he has stripped back the extravaganza to focus on his music.
He explained: "When I started I was constantly trying to create something, but now I want it to be like real-life...I want people to know what I'm really about."
This new album is one of Adam's most personal yet and he cites one of the main themes as "the pursuit of happiness".
He added: "We all have something that gives us pleasure, but that thing can sometimes turn on you and put you through hell."
Adam Lambert: ‘There’s less ego in my music’
Adam Lambert says there is "less ego" in his music these days.
The former 'American Idol' contestant is more confident in his abilities than ever before and believes this comes through in his third album, 'The Original High'.
Speaking to Flaunt magazine, he said: "I think I feel more confident in my talent than I did before, and more clear in my direction. I don't feel I have to assert myself as much, which means there's a lot less ego in the music."
Adam, 33, was once best known for his elaborate costumes with extreme hair and make-up but as his sound has developed, he has stripped back the extravaganza to focus on his music.
He explained: "When I started I was constantly trying to create something, but now I want it to be like real-life...I want people to know what I'm really about."
This new album is one of Adam's most personal yet and he cites one of the main themes as "the pursuit of happiness".
He added: "We all have something that gives us pleasure, but that thing can sometimes turn on you and put you through hell."
Music News
Drake "waited a long time" to headline Wireless festival.
The 28-year-old singer headlined the New Look Wireless festival in London's Finsbury Park last night (28.06.15) and appeared in awe of the size of the occasion as he crammed in as many tracks as he could during the show.
He told the crowd: "I've been waiting a long time for this, so let me just take a moment."
Last year, the 'Take Care' hitmaker had to drop out of the event due to illness, leaving Kanye West to headline two nights of the festival, and admitted cancelling "broke his heart".
He told the audience: "Last year, I had some complications - you know, I couldn't make it over here. That s*** broke my heart. So that's why I want to do this year."
For the first half of his set, the star stripped back his performance and was alone on a naked stage, however, halfway through the set, the the back of the stage opened to reveal quite the contrast with a jungle scene with fires burning.
The singer also teased the Wireless audience with news he might bring his own festival over to England.
He said: "I have this feeling - I have this urge - that I need to bring this thing I've got called OVO fest to London.
"If this is the loudest crowd, I promise you: we've got an OVO fest London on the way."
OVO fest - which the Drake founded in 2010 - has previously featured big names like Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Jay-Z.
New Look Wireless Festival continues at the same site next weekend, with Drake returning to top the bill on Friday (03.07.15), before headline sets from Avicii on Saturday (04.07.15) and David Guetta on Sunday (05.07.15).
Drake wows crowd at Wireless Festival with show-stopping performance
Drake "waited a long time" to headline Wireless festival.
The 28-year-old singer headlined the New Look Wireless festival in London's Finsbury Park last night (28.06.15) and appeared in awe of the size of the occasion as he crammed in as many tracks as he could during the show.
He told the crowd: "I've been waiting a long time for this, so let me just take a moment."
Last year, the 'Take Care' hitmaker had to drop out of the event due to illness, leaving Kanye West to headline two nights of the festival, and admitted cancelling "broke his heart".
He told the audience: "Last year, I had some complications - you know, I couldn't make it over here. That s*** broke my heart. So that's why I want to do this year."
For the first half of his set, the star stripped back his performance and was alone on a naked stage, however, halfway through the set, the the back of the stage opened to reveal quite the contrast with a jungle scene with fires burning.
The singer also teased the Wireless audience with news he might bring his own festival over to England.
He said: "I have this feeling - I have this urge - that I need to bring this thing I've got called OVO fest to London.
"If this is the loudest crowd, I promise you: we've got an OVO fest London on the way."
OVO fest - which the Drake founded in 2010 - has previously featured big names like Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Jay-Z.
New Look Wireless Festival continues at the same site next weekend, with Drake returning to top the bill on Friday (03.07.15), before headline sets from Avicii on Saturday (04.07.15) and David Guetta on Sunday (05.07.15).
Music News
The Who closed Glastonbury 2015 and called it "an easy job."
The veteran rockers were the last act to perform as the sun set on the festival yesterday (28.06.15) in front of thousands of fans on the Pyramid stage and vowed to "send them home happy".
Guitarist Pete Townshend said as they entered the stage: "We have an easy job: we have to send you home happy."
And the group had no problems living up to the pledge with their crowd-pleasing set of fan favourites including 'Who Are You', 'The Seeker', 'Pictures of Lily', 'Baba O'Riley' and 'My Generation'.
The band reportedly missed out on having a sound check and although the crowd didn't seem to notice any difficulties, the 70-year-old guitarist continuously complained about the sound and confessed: "It could have been better"
During his headlining set on Saturday (27.06.15) Kanye West declared that he was "the biggest rock star in the world" - a claim disputed by the veteran rockers.
Pete said: "We're gonna send you home now with a rebellious 'Who's the biggest f**king rockstar in the world?' ... It must be Elvis Presley."
Other stars who performed at the festival, which is sponsored by EE, yesterday included Paul Weller, F.F.S., Lionel Richie, The Chemical Brothers and FKA twigs.
The Who close Glastonbury 2015
The Who closed Glastonbury 2015 and called it "an easy job."
The veteran rockers were the last act to perform as the sun set on the festival yesterday (28.06.15) in front of thousands of fans on the Pyramid stage and vowed to "send them home happy".
Guitarist Pete Townshend said as they entered the stage: "We have an easy job: we have to send you home happy."
And the group had no problems living up to the pledge with their crowd-pleasing set of fan favourites including 'Who Are You', 'The Seeker', 'Pictures of Lily', 'Baba O'Riley' and 'My Generation'.
The band reportedly missed out on having a sound check and although the crowd didn't seem to notice any difficulties, the 70-year-old guitarist continuously complained about the sound and confessed: "It could have been better"
During his headlining set on Saturday (27.06.15) Kanye West declared that he was "the biggest rock star in the world" - a claim disputed by the veteran rockers.
Pete said: "We're gonna send you home now with a rebellious 'Who's the biggest f**king rockstar in the world?' ... It must be Elvis Presley."
Other stars who performed at the festival, which is sponsored by EE, yesterday included Paul Weller, F.F.S., Lionel Richie, The Chemical Brothers and FKA twigs.
Music News
Yes bassist Chris Squire has died aged 67.
The musician - who co-founded the prog rock group with singer Jon Anderson in 1968 - lost his battle with a rare form of leukaemia on Saturday (27.06.15) night, the group have confirmed.
A statement on their website read: "It's with the heaviest of hearts and unbearable sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and Yes co-founder, Chris Squire.
"For the entirety of Yes' existence, Chris was the band's linchpin and, in so many ways, the glue that held it together over all these years.
"Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today's well-known artists.
"Chris was also a fantastic songwriter, having written and co-written much of Yes' most endearing music, as well as his solo album, 'Fish Out of Water'.
"Outside of Yes, Chris was a loving husband to Scotty and father to Carmen, Chandrika, Camille, Cameron, and Xilan.
"With his gentle, easy-going nature, Chris was a great friend of many ... including each of us.
"But he wasn't merely our friend: he was also part of our family and we shall forever love and miss him."
Chris' former bandmate Jon - who quit the group three times, most recently in 2008 - penned a touching message to his "brother" and admitted he was relieved they had recently "reconnected".
He wrote: "Chris was a very special part of my life; we were musical brothers. He was an amazingly unique bass player - very poetic - and had a wonderful knowledge of harmony. We met at a certain time when music was very open, and I feel blessed to have created some wonderful, adventurous, music with him.
"Chris had such a great sense of humor... he always said he was Darth Vader to my Obiwan. I always thought of him as Christopher Robin to my Winnie the Pooh.
"We travelled a road less travelled and I'm so thankful that he climbed the musical mountains with me. Throughout everything, he was still my brother, and I'm so glad we were able to reconnect recently.
"I saw him in my meditation last night, and he was radiant. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.(sic)"
Current Yes keyboardist Geoffrey Downes also paid tribute to the rocker and admitted he is "utterly devastated" by the news.
He tweeted: "Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire."
Elsewhere, other musicians used social media to pay their respects to Chris, who revealed in May he had been diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia and would miss the group's upcoming tour with Toto.
Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp wrote: "Close to the Edge was one of my most played records as a youth. So much good music was played and made by Chris Squire. Absolute bass legend."
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler added: "Shocked to hear of the passing of Chris Squire, one of the great bass players." Megadeth's Dave Mustaine wrote: "A tremendous talent and a terribly sad loss. Prayers to Chris Squire's family and band."
Yes bassist Chris Squire dies
Yes bassist Chris Squire has died aged 67.
The musician - who co-founded the prog rock group with singer Jon Anderson in 1968 - lost his battle with a rare form of leukaemia on Saturday (27.06.15) night, the group have confirmed.
A statement on their website read: "It's with the heaviest of hearts and unbearable sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and Yes co-founder, Chris Squire.
"For the entirety of Yes' existence, Chris was the band's linchpin and, in so many ways, the glue that held it together over all these years.
"Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today's well-known artists.
"Chris was also a fantastic songwriter, having written and co-written much of Yes' most endearing music, as well as his solo album, 'Fish Out of Water'.
"Outside of Yes, Chris was a loving husband to Scotty and father to Carmen, Chandrika, Camille, Cameron, and Xilan.
"With his gentle, easy-going nature, Chris was a great friend of many ... including each of us.
"But he wasn't merely our friend: he was also part of our family and we shall forever love and miss him."
Chris' former bandmate Jon - who quit the group three times, most recently in 2008 - penned a touching message to his "brother" and admitted he was relieved they had recently "reconnected".
He wrote: "Chris was a very special part of my life; we were musical brothers. He was an amazingly unique bass player - very poetic - and had a wonderful knowledge of harmony. We met at a certain time when music was very open, and I feel blessed to have created some wonderful, adventurous, music with him.
"Chris had such a great sense of humor... he always said he was Darth Vader to my Obiwan. I always thought of him as Christopher Robin to my Winnie the Pooh.
"We travelled a road less travelled and I'm so thankful that he climbed the musical mountains with me. Throughout everything, he was still my brother, and I'm so glad we were able to reconnect recently.
"I saw him in my meditation last night, and he was radiant. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.(sic)"
Current Yes keyboardist Geoffrey Downes also paid tribute to the rocker and admitted he is "utterly devastated" by the news.
He tweeted: "Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire."
Elsewhere, other musicians used social media to pay their respects to Chris, who revealed in May he had been diagnosed with acute erythroid leukemia and would miss the group's upcoming tour with Toto.
Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp wrote: "Close to the Edge was one of my most played records as a youth. So much good music was played and made by Chris Squire. Absolute bass legend."
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler added: "Shocked to hear of the passing of Chris Squire, one of the great bass players." Megadeth's Dave Mustaine wrote: "A tremendous talent and a terribly sad loss. Prayers to Chris Squire's family and band."
Music News
The Chemical Brothers think current electronic dance music "all sounds the same".
The 'Galvanize' hitmakers - made up of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons - have insisted they wouldn't ever play a DJ residency in Las Vegas - like DJs including Calvin Harris and Alesso - as it would be "soul-destroying".
Tom, 44, said: "If we really wanted to we probably still could but I think it would be soul-destroying. It's a mad old world, that world. I does feel alien."
Ed, 45, added: "We played in America recently and every record sounded like (Italian DJ/producer) Benny Benassi. I know that sounds like your dad wandering into 'Top of the Pops' and saying it all sounds the same, but it did all sound the same...The one-dimensional sound is quite effective but it doesn't seem to have that magical, transporting quality."
The 'Hey Boy Hey Girl' producers are releasing their eighth studio album 'Born In The Echoes' in July - their first since 'Further' in 2010 - but admitted this may be their last.
Speaking to The Observer's The New Review, Tom said: "('Further') could have been a good point to exit, but it felt like, actually, no, there's another good Chemical Brothers record in us, and to not try to find it would be sad."
Ed added: "I'm glad that this record is so good, because, yeah, maybe it would have had a neatness...It's quite difficult to see how it can keep being rewarding and exciting."
Chemical Brothers: Electronic music ‘all sounds the same’
The Chemical Brothers think current electronic dance music "all sounds the same".
The 'Galvanize' hitmakers - made up of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons - have insisted they wouldn't ever play a DJ residency in Las Vegas - like DJs including Calvin Harris and Alesso - as it would be "soul-destroying".
Tom, 44, said: "If we really wanted to we probably still could but I think it would be soul-destroying. It's a mad old world, that world. I does feel alien."
Ed, 45, added: "We played in America recently and every record sounded like (Italian DJ/producer) Benny Benassi. I know that sounds like your dad wandering into 'Top of the Pops' and saying it all sounds the same, but it did all sound the same...The one-dimensional sound is quite effective but it doesn't seem to have that magical, transporting quality."
The 'Hey Boy Hey Girl' producers are releasing their eighth studio album 'Born In The Echoes' in July - their first since 'Further' in 2010 - but admitted this may be their last.
Speaking to The Observer's The New Review, Tom said: "('Further') could have been a good point to exit, but it felt like, actually, no, there's another good Chemical Brothers record in us, and to not try to find it would be sad."
Ed added: "I'm glad that this record is so good, because, yeah, maybe it would have had a neatness...It's quite difficult to see how it can keep being rewarding and exciting."
Music News
Nicki Minaj invited her mother Carol Maraj onstage as she led the winners at the 2015 BET Awards last night (28.06.15).
The 32-year-old rapper showed she hadn't forgotten her roots, as she personally thanked her mum while winning the award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the award show held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and other minorities in music and entertainment as well as sports.
Nicki said: "I always talk about my mommy and this is the first time the world is going to see her. I love you so much."
The 'Starships' hitmaker - who, along with Chris Brown, was the most nominated artist of the night with six nominations each - later also took home the Coca-Cola Viewers Choice Award, but had to ask Zendaya, who presented the award, what the actual category was as she went to collect it.
The night also saw P Diddy fall into a hole during his performance of 'It's All About The Benjamins (Remix)', in which he was joined by several artists, including Lil Kim, Faith Evans and French Montana for a medley of his greatest hits to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bad Boy Records. However, he made a quick recovery and got up immediately.
Janet Jackson also had one of the most memorable appearances during the award show - hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Rossas - as she received the inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award.
A video montage of her greatest moments was shown, followed by live re-creations of her iconic dance routines from Ciara, Jason Derulo and Tinashe, and then Janet thanked fans in a speech.
The 49-year-old singer said: "I've missed you so much and I love you so much. Thank you. Thank you BET."
Full list of winners at the BET Awards:
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
BEYONCÉ
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
CHRIS BROWN
BEST GROUP
RAE SREMMURD
BEST COLLABORATION
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND - 'GLORY' (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE 'SELMA')
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
KENDRICK LAMAR
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
NICKI MINAJ
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ - '7/11'
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ, ED BURKE & TODD TOURSO
BEST NEW ARTIST
SAM SMITH
BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
LECRAE
BEST ACTRESS
TARAJI P. HENSON
BEST ACTOR
TERRENCE HOWARD
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
MO'NE DAVIS
BEST MOVIE
'SELMA'
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
SERENA WILLIAMS
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
STEPHEN CURRY
COCA-COLA VIEWERS' CHOICE AWARD
NICKI MINAJ F/ DRAKE, LIL WAYNE & CHRIS BROWN - 'ONLY'
CENTRIC AWARD
THE WEEKND - 'EARNED IT' (FROM THE 'FIFTY SHADES OF GREY' SOUNDTRACK)
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: UK
STORMZY
Nicki Minaj brought mum onstage for BET Awards win
Nicki Minaj invited her mother Carol Maraj onstage as she led the winners at the 2015 BET Awards last night (28.06.15).
The 32-year-old rapper showed she hadn't forgotten her roots, as she personally thanked her mum while winning the award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the award show held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and other minorities in music and entertainment as well as sports.
Nicki said: "I always talk about my mommy and this is the first time the world is going to see her. I love you so much."
The 'Starships' hitmaker - who, along with Chris Brown, was the most nominated artist of the night with six nominations each - later also took home the Coca-Cola Viewers Choice Award, but had to ask Zendaya, who presented the award, what the actual category was as she went to collect it.
The night also saw P Diddy fall into a hole during his performance of 'It's All About The Benjamins (Remix)', in which he was joined by several artists, including Lil Kim, Faith Evans and French Montana for a medley of his greatest hits to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bad Boy Records. However, he made a quick recovery and got up immediately.
Janet Jackson also had one of the most memorable appearances during the award show - hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Rossas - as she received the inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award.
A video montage of her greatest moments was shown, followed by live re-creations of her iconic dance routines from Ciara, Jason Derulo and Tinashe, and then Janet thanked fans in a speech.
The 49-year-old singer said: "I've missed you so much and I love you so much. Thank you. Thank you BET."
Full list of winners at the BET Awards:
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
BEYONCÉ
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
CHRIS BROWN
BEST GROUP
RAE SREMMURD
BEST COLLABORATION
COMMON & JOHN LEGEND - 'GLORY' (FROM THE MOTION PICTURE 'SELMA')
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
KENDRICK LAMAR
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
NICKI MINAJ
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ - '7/11'
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
BEYONCÉ, ED BURKE & TODD TOURSO
BEST NEW ARTIST
SAM SMITH
BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
LECRAE
BEST ACTRESS
TARAJI P. HENSON
BEST ACTOR
TERRENCE HOWARD
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
MO'NE DAVIS
BEST MOVIE
'SELMA'
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
SERENA WILLIAMS
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
STEPHEN CURRY
COCA-COLA VIEWERS' CHOICE AWARD
NICKI MINAJ F/ DRAKE, LIL WAYNE & CHRIS BROWN - 'ONLY'
CENTRIC AWARD
THE WEEKND - 'EARNED IT' (FROM THE 'FIFTY SHADES OF GREY' SOUNDTRACK)
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT: UK
STORMZY