14 Truly Unforgettable Moments From The 2016 BET Awards

From Jesse Williams' rousing speech to the spectacular Prince tribute, BET didn't disappoint.

The 16th Annual BET Awards aired on Sunday and it was lit for so many reasons.

The night was filled with special moments that reminded us how hilarious, magical and talented black artists are. Between the dope performances, reminders to stay woke and the ultimate ode to Prince, the event was one to remember. In case you didn't see the show or just want to relive it, here are 14 moments that made the 2016 BET Awards truly unforgettable:

Maxwell delivered a soul-stirring performance of "Nothing Compares To U."
Maxwell didn't disappoint when he sang the 2013 Prince classic, "Nothing Compares 2 U." He even changed the words up a bit to honor the music icon: “It’s been 7 hours and 66 days since you took your music away.”
Chloe x Halle made their BET Awards debut.
These sisters, who are signed to Parkwood Entertainment, showed the world just how dope they are with their amazing performance of their latest single, "Drop."

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

2016 BET Awards Red Carpet
Yara Shahidi(01 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Leon Bennett via Getty Images)
Janelle Monae(02 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David McNew / Reuters)
(03 of25)
Open Image Modal
Singer Alicia Keys arrives at the 2016 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California U.S. June 26, 2016. REUTERS/David McNew (credit:David McNew / Reuters)
Jesse Williams(04 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Allen Berezovsky via Getty Images)
(05 of25)
Open Image Modal
Actress Gabrielle Union arrives at the 2016 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California U.S. June 26, 2016. REUTERS/David McNew (credit:David McNew / Reuters)
Debra Lee, BET Chairman & CEO(06 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David McNew / Reuters)
Yvette Nicole Brown(07 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David McNew / Reuters)
Quvenzhane Wallis(08 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David McNew / Reuters)
Meagan Good(09 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David McNew / Reuters)
Naturi Naughton(10 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David McNew / Reuters)
EJ Johnson(11 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David McNew / Reuters)
Marsai Martin(12 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Leon Bennett via Getty Images)
Fantasia Barrino(13 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Frederick M. Brown via Getty Images)
Aja Naomi King(14 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Leon Bennett via Getty Images)
Mayte Garcia(15 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Allen Berezovsky via Getty Images)
Alicia Keys(16 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David Livingston via Getty Images)
Tisha Campbell-Martin(17 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Leon Bennett via Getty Images)
Mya(18 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Allen Berezovsky via Getty Images)
Andra Day(19 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Allen Berezovsky via Getty Images)
Remy Ma(20 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David Livingston via Getty Images)
Eva Marcille(21 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David Livingston via Getty Images)
Tracee Ellis Ross(22 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:David Livingston via Getty Images)
LeToya Luckett(23 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Paras Griffin/BET via Getty Images)
Gabrielle Union(24 of25)
Open Image Modal
(credit:Frederick M. Brown via Getty Images)
(25 of25)
Open Image Modal
Swizz Beatz and singer Alicia Keys arrive at the 2016 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California U.S. June 26, 2016. REUTERS/David McNew (credit:David McNew / Reuters)