BET Awards: The 2024 ceremony continues to prove numbers don't lie
Some people might think awards shows might be low-key done-done but it’s clear it’s a whole different discussion when it comes to the BET Awards. The 2024 showcase? Big stats and facts.
The BET Awards brought in millions of viewers for ‘24
With star-studded line-ups and celebrity flexing from start to finish of the ceremony, the BET Awards ignited more than three million viewers checking into the iconic and annual showcase.
"BET Awards” 2024 proved once again that "Culture's Biggest Night" is the largest Black gathering for culture, entertainment, and empowerment in the country. This year's ceremony underscored BET’s singular ability to convene the largest Black audiences and drive meaningful and unforgettable cultural moments that reverberate across communities and society.
2024 Delivered Significant Audience and Engagement Growth
“BET Awards" 2024 drew in a total of 3 Million Total Viewers (EDAC) and was simulcast LIVE across ten Paramount networks, up +10% vs last year in impressions. BET now holds the distinction as home to the #1 Cable Award Show of 2024 to date.*
The premiere milestone celebration of Black culture delivered timeline-shattering viral moments that captivated audiences across platforms, ranking as the #1 Most Social Program.
4.3 million total viewers watched “BET Awards” content on premiere night (Red Carpet Live Show + Main Show + Encore), delivering a viewership increase up +10%:
1.3 million P18-49 Viewer Impressions across 10 Paramount Nets (EDAC), up +7% vs. last year (EDAC: 1.2MM 9 Paramount Nets)
3 million P2+ Viewer Impressions across 10 Paramount Nets, up +10% vs. last year (EDAC 2.8MM P2+ 9 Paramount Nets)
“BET Awards” 2024 scored the highest viewership with audiences 18-49 in five years and boasts multiple #1 claims, including:
#1 show on all of TV for the day. *
#1 cable award show of 2024 among all audiences (18-49). *
#1 most social program across all of TV with +82% growth year-over-year and 10.5M social interactions. **
“BET Awards” 2024 was the #1 trending topic on X.**
Total digital minutes watched on show day are up +12% year-over-year (social + O&O). **
Close to 2 MM Total Viewers, P2+ viewed on BET alone, with 18-49 up an impressive +15%.*
Electrifying Performances and Iconic Moments
Hosted for the third time by the incomparable Taraji P. Henson, “BET Awards” 2024 was filled with unforgettable performances and stirring tributes. Henson's charismatic presence and dynamic hosting set the tone for the evening, underscoring why the “BET Awards” is always about us—the Black community.
The evening started with Megan Thee Stallion setting the stage ablaze with her latest hits, leading to what viewers call “The Night of the Ladies.” The show included performances from Victoria Monét, Sexyy Red, GloRilla, Tyla, Ice Spice, Latto, and more.
In a historic moment, Will Smith performed on the “BET Awards” stage for the first time, unveiling his new song “You Can Make It” alongside Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, and the Sunday Service Choir. The performance and song showcased the power of redemption and were met with overwhelming applause and admiration.
USHER was honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement BET Award. The tribute to USHER was a star-studded affair with performances by Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chlöe, Tinashe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monét, and Latto. Each artist brought their unique style to honoring USHER’s illustrious career, creating one of the night's most memorable moments.
Celebrated The Fullness of Black Music
This year, “BET Awards” made history by putting Black country artists at center stage for the first time. Newly announced “BET Amplified” artist Tanner Adell brought a fresh sound to the event with her songs “Buckle Bunny” and “Cowboy.” Country star Shaboozey captivated the audience with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and J-Kwon surprised everyone by joining him for a performance of “Tipsy” --the song that inspired it all. This groundbreaking inclusion of country music highlighted Black music's rich history, diversity, and landscape.
From Country to the new generation of stars, the music reflected the power of Black music expression.Heiress and Van Van delivered an inspiring “Be You” performance, highlighting the incredible talent of all ages. Their performance underscored BET's commitment to paving the way for our future.
Amplified the Significance of Civic Engagement
The importance of showing up to the polls in this crucial election year was integrated throughout the show. BET’s 2024 Culture Class members Lynae Venae, Vic Mensa, and Speedy took the stage to remind viewers that so much is at stake this election season and that our collective voices are crucial. They revealed BET’s “We V.O.T.E.” campaign, emphasizing civic participation and underscoring key issues affecting the Black community on this 2024 election ballot.
Album of the Year award winner Killer Mike delivered an acceptance speech that exclaimed the importance of viewers voting in November and getting politically involved locally year-round.
Taraji P. Henson's passionate plea urged viewers to stay educated on new laws and plans that could directly impact the Black community. Following Henson’s mention of “Project 2025,” the term saw a 4x spike in Google searches and continued to trend into the holiday weekend—another testament to the power of the “BET Awards” stage.
A Night of Unity and Celebration
“BET Awards” 2024 was not just about entertainment; the show celebrated unity, resilience, and the diverse voices of the Black community. From recognizing the achievements of established icons to highlighting the emerging talents shaping the future, the event encapsulated the spirit of progress and cultural pride.
As the night came to a close, the audience was left with a powerful display of family from Ms. Lauryn Hill & her son YG Marley, who performed his “Praise Jah in the Moonlight” and closed the show with a heartfelt surprise reunion with Ms. Hill’s former The Fugees bandmate, Wyclef Jean.
Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, served as the Executive Producer for the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, SVP of Tentpoles & Music Community Engagement, for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.
*Source: Nielsen (Live+SD) | BET Awards Premiere (Main Show: 8p-11:26p) | Rankings based on Imps; all competitive claims exclude Sports | Largest black gathering claim based on Black 18-49 telecasts in 2024TD (through 6/30/24) | 4.3M Total Viewers for the night is cumulative sum of imps of BET Awards content on 6/30/24 (Pre-show + Main Show + Encore)
**Social/Digital Source: DOMO | BET Awards 2024 Social and O&O Pacing, Talkwalker, SCR, 6.30.24. Trends24, 6.30.24
ABOUT BET
The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA), is the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international.
For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET news announcements, visit betpressroom.com
ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
“BET Awards” is one of the most-watched award shows on cable television, according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is the #1 telecast for BET every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.
