LOS ANGELES (BET) - Rumors have been flying and fans have been eagerly anticipating the show-stopping "Grand Opening" and "Grand Closing" of BET AWARDS '06, as each year proves to be more extraordinary than before. This year, BET Awards Show begins with a Grand Opening salvo by America's favorite new Dreamgirl Beyoncé, and the world premiere television performance of her new smash "Déjà Vu." To cap the show, BET AWARDS '06 has the legendary
Prince bringing it home with the Grand Closing to this annual tribute to music, movies, sports and more with out-of-this-world performances. Prince's song selection is a closely guarded secret...even to the show producers...at this point. The stage is set for BET AWARDS '06 to be the most sizzling night of live television this year! The three-hour 'live' telecast premieres on June 27 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT (tape-delayed in the Mountain and Pacific zones).
These celebrated BET AWARDS alumni/nominees join top nominee Jamie Foxx, who will perform hits from his debut CD, as well as Busta Rhymes, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne and Mary Mary who will blaze the stage with big-time production numbers. Previously announced show talent Mary J. Blige and T.I. will round out the set list, along with a few surprises.
Elevating the star presence at the historic Shrine Auditorium is host Damon Wayans, BET Lifetime Achievement Award winner Chaka Khan, BET Humanitarian Award recipient Harry Belafonte, and presenters including: film and tv star Vivica A. Fox, hip hop luminaries Outkast, NFL first-round draft pick Vince Young, sultry songstress Rihanna, the hilarious Shawn and Marlon Wayans, old-school sitcom stars Bernadette Stanis and Jimmy Walker, and former BET AWARDS host Steve Harvey.
To ensure that viewers never miss a beat, the party will kick off with a series of specials. You can catch exciting highlights of past BET AWARDS shows on the TOP 12 AWARD SHOW MOMENTS, airing tonight, June 13 at 10 p.m. ET. And, the ever-popular I WANT TO THANK MY MAMA: BET NOMINATION Special airs Friday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. BET will highlight the artists who have been nominated and get predictions on the street as to who will take home some hardware on June 27.
106 & PARK hosts Julissa and Big Tigger will jumpstart the coverage on awards day at 3 p.m. ET/PT with 106 & PARK LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET. They'll get first crack at all the celebrities and nominees before they head into the Shrine for the telecast where artists will be feted in 15 different categories. After the show, more BET AWARDS action can be seen and heard during BET NEWS SPECIAL: THE BLACK CARPET LOUNGE hosted by Toure at 11 p.m. ET/PT. This one-hour program will feature exclusive interviews, show highlights and recap all of the day's action.
