R&B superstar Pharrell, hip-hop diva Nicki Minaj and newcomer August Alsina led the winners at the Black Entertainment Television (BET) awards Sunday, which also honored legendary soul singer Lionel Richie. Pharrell, who was nominated for an Oscar in February for his hit song "Happy," launched the show with "Come Get It Bae" and scored two awards, including best male R&B/pop artist.
Richie, 65, received a lifetime achievement award for his celebrated career as part of the Motown funk/soul group The Commodores and as a top-selling solo artist. John Legend, Ledisi and Yolanda performed Richie's classic love ballads "Hello," "Still" and The Commodores' "Brick House" and "Jesus is Love."
