2012 BET Awards | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Chris Brown goes shirtless with a coat of silver body paint covering half his torso during his performance at the 2012 BET Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday (July 1) in Los Angeles.

The 23-year-old singer performed his songs “Turn Up the Music” and “Don’t Wake Me Up”. Click inside to watch the performance!

Chris picked up two awards during the evening – Entertainer of the Year and Best Male R&B Artist. Congrats, Chris!

25+ pictures inside of Chris Brown‘s BET Awards performance… More Here! »

Kerry Washington and Taraji P. Henson walk the red carpet at the 2012 BET Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday (July 1) in Los Angeles.

During the show, Kerry was joined on stage by her Django Unchained co-star Jamie Foxx to present an award.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Kerry Washington

Taraji made an appearance during the ceremony to present the award for Best Actor to Think Like a Man‘s Kevin Hart.

FYI: Kerry is wearing a bustier and belt by Altuzarra, a J. Mendel skirt, Jimmy Choo pumps, a Stark bag, and Elizabeth and James jewelry.

20+ pictures inside of Kerry Washington and Taraji P. Henson at the BET Awards… More Here! »

Mariah Carey gets emotional on stage at the 2012 BET Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday (July 1) in Los Angeles.

The 42-year-old entertainer hit the stage to deliver a tribute speech for the late Whitney Houston.

“The first time I heard Whitney‘s voice, I was mesmerized like the rest of the world,” Mariah said during her speech. “Just an unknown, budding singer myself, I was captivated by the power in her range, the richness of her tone and her unique ability to wrap a lyric in emotion.”

“We’ll always have that voice we all fell in love with. She inspired us all,” Mariah continued.

Click inside to watch the complete 19 minute tribute to Whitney!

Also pictured: Whitney‘s mother Cissy Houston and Randy Jackson.

10+ pictures inside of Mariah Carey at the 2012 BET Awards…More Here! »

Usher pours his heart into his performance at the 2012 BET Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday (July 1) in Los Angeles.

The 33-year-old singer performed his song “Climax” at the awards ceremony – check out the video below!

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Usher

Before the ceremony, Usher tweeted, “Gettin ready for my BET Music Awards performance. Can I sing for you? URIV”

Usher was nominated for Best Male R&B Artist, but this year’s award went to Chris Brown.

Chris Brown looks proud as he accepts the award for Best Male R&B Artist at the 2012 BET Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday (July 1) in Los Angeles.

The 23-year-old singer is also up for the Video Director of the Year award and the Coca-Cola Viewer’s Choice award for “Turn Up the Music.”

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Chris Brown

Chris tweeted a short message during the awards ceremony, saying only “#teambreezy”

This year’s BET Awards are hosted by Samuel L. Jackson and are broadcast live starting at 8/7c.

Nicki Minaj is lovely in lace at the 2012 BET Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday (July 1) in Los Angeles.

The 29-year-old rapper posed for a picture with gal pal Kim Kardashian.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Nicki Minaj

Nicki performed a mash-up of “Champion” and “Beez in The Trap” earlier in the show. She was also nominated for Best Female Hip Hop artist!

The BET Awards are hosted by Samuel L. Jackson and feature performances by Chris Brown and Usher. Watch the ceremony live, starting at 8/7c!

Beyonce glows and glimmers in gold at the 2012 BET Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday (July 1) in Los Angeles.

The 30-year-old singer sat with her 42-year-old hubby Jay-Z, her sister Solange Knowles, and their pals Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Beyonce

Bey is up for five awards tonight, including Best Female R&B Artist. She’s up against Rihanna – we can’t wait to find out who takes home the award!

Earlier in the evening, Jay-Z and Kanye took home the award for Best Group for The Throne!

FYI: Beyonce wore a Stephane Rolland gown, Givenchy shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz diamond and titanium earrings. Jay-Z suited up in Tom Ford.