Usher accepted the lifetime achievement award at the 2024 BET Awards — even if the superstar mused it might be a bit early.

The Grammy winner stayed on his feet as a parade of artists performed his hits — Childish Gambino kicked it off with “U Don’t Have to Call,” joined by Keke Palmer, who took the lead on “You Make Me Wanna...,” and Coco Jones appeared in the audience for a sultry rendition of “There Goes My Baby.” Latto brought the energy for “Yeah!” In some ways, the homage underscored that the women carried much of the night — dominating the performances.

After introductions by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, Usher accepted the award from music executive L.A. Reid.

“Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it,” Usher began his lengthy speech, reflecting on his career, which has spanned over three decades. He questioned the timing, saying, “I’m still running and gunning, and I still love this … like I did when I was 8 years old.”

Earlier in the night, Will Smith stood in a circle of fire — joined by Fridayy and the gospel choir Sunday Service — to make the live debut of his latest single, “You Can Make It.”

“I don’t know who needs this right now,” Smith opened his set, “but I am here to tell you, you can make it.”

“Nobody gets an easy ride,” Smith told the room. “There is wisdom in that fire. Dance in your darkest moments.”

Megan Thee Stallion opened the show by emerging from an egg before diving into a medley of “Hiss” and “Boa.”

“BET, where my girls at?,” she said, before launching into “Where Them Girls At.”

Tyla, the Johannesburg, South African amapiano superstar, won two honors on the show: best international act and best new artist. “This is crazy,” she said. “I just want to dedicate this one to Africa.”

Best female R&B/pop artist went to SZA and best actress to Regina King, who were both absent; the BET Her award went to Victoria Monét for “On My Mama.” She brought her mother up to accept it.

Country musician Tanner Adell brought her “Buckle Bunny” and her new song, “Cowboy Break My Heart.” GloRilla emerged from above, descending to join her dancers for “Yeah Glo!” and “Wanna Be” — the latter of which saw a surprise appearance from Megan Thee Stallion. Shaboozey kept the country coming with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and was joined by rapper J-Kwon, who appears on the track, creating an unexpected and rewarding collaboration across genres.

Lauryn Hill closed the night, beginning with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” and going into “Lost Ones,” before introducing her son YG Marley for his reggae tracks “Survival” and “Praise Jah In the Moonlight.” Wyclef Jean appeared, and the trio performed Fugees’ “Fu-Gee-La.”

July 2 birthdays: Actor Robert Ito is 93. Actor Polly Holliday is 87. Comedian Larry David is 77. Model Jerry Hall is 68. Bassist Dave Parsons is 59. Violinist Melodee DeVevo is 48. Singer Michelle Branch is 41. Actor Vanessa Lee Chester is 40. Actor Nelson Franklin is 39. Actor Lindsay Lohan is 38. Actor Margot Robbie is 34.