Much like last year, taping for The Honors was bit behind schedule because some of the Honorees got to the Warner Theater late. But even if they had showed up on time, the show would have started late because of a few unspecified backstage problems. That didn’t seem to be a problem for most of the audience since the house comedian kept the crowd rolling until everything seemed to be fixed.

 
“They’re backstage sewing Gabrielle [Union]’s dress right now,” he joked. 


 
Speaking of wardrobe, the audience in the balcony thought that BET CEO Debra Lee’s zipper may have broken because the back of her dress was white with a winged flair. It turns out that that was just the design of the dress, and the garment was completely in tact.


 
From beginning to end, BET put on a wonderful night for the 2010 Honors. With performances from Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Take 6, India.Arie, Jazmine Sullivan, this was the best show in D.C. on Saturday, but a couple performances really stood out. 


 
Our girl Mary J. Blige brought down the house, and the audience to their feet, with her medley in tribute to Diddy. People in the balcony were up and dancing during her set. Thank God, the people up top didn’t have to be prompted to have a good time this year.

 
Meanwhile, Jennifer Hudson, who peformed a tribute to Whitney Houston, looked amazing as she performed “I Will Always Love You.” Motherhood is definitely agreeing with her because she seems to have really trimmed down. From her first steps onto the foggy stage, she was welcomed with so much enthusiam you’d have thought she was getting an award that night!



 
The speeches were a bit long, but when there are only five honorees you can take your time. Nearly everyone made it a point to offer their prayers for Haiti while calling on everyone to do their part in the relief effort.

 Debra announced that BET is doing their part by donating $30,000 to the devastated nation.
 
To see the honorees accept their blue and purple statuettes, catch The BET Honors when it airs February 1 at 9 p.m. EST on BET.

Notes from the Red Carpet…
 


- Trey Songz was absolutely charming when we spoke with him, and he looked suave in his D&G suit. He told us that he prefers to dress in that label, and it suits him very well, so no complaints from S2S!


 
- We were pleasantly surprised to see CeCe Peniston on the red carpet, who looked incredible in her Navy Blue dress. Although we’re not sure what’s she been up to, we’re glad to see that she’s doing well.

 
- Taraji P. Henson caused a huge stir when she entered. Cameras started flashing a little faster and a few photographers shouted her name. As show time got closer stars were being hustled down the red carpet, so we only got to ask her two questions.
 
- Gabriel Union was stunning in her peach and sequin gown, but she needed some help walking in the garment because it seemed like she could easily get caught up in the dress. That was the first of about nine different outfits she'd be wearing Saturday.

- Cynthia Raul kept it much simpler by shopping in her closet this year. We have to say the outfit she assembled was unique, but it was a good look for her.

-- Sonya Eskridge




Here’s more:
The 2009 BET Honors: our live report