BET Awards 2016: Muhammad Ali, Prince given powerful tributes

There were obviously a number of big moments that took place on the BET Awards Sunday night, but we imagine that the ones that may end up being the most remembered when the dust settles are the ones that are about commemorating those we lost over the course of the past few months in particular.

2016 has been rough when it comes to celebrity death, and while the show is for the most part a celebration, the organizers were very kind to make sure some important faces were not forgotten in the process.

Prince – Rather than doing a single tribute to the legendary singer, the show opted instead to give you a wide array of tributes over the course of the night. Some of the performers we saw including The Roots with Erykah Badu, Tori Kelly, Jennifer Hudson (singing “Purple Rain”), Janelle Monae, Sheila E., Maxwell, and so many others. There were a wide array of influential performers recognizing the greatness of one of the most influential ever. In the end, it felt perfect.

Muhammad Ali – The boxer’s daughter Layla Ali honored “The Greatest” in a moving speech, and to go along with that Jamie Foxx offered up both a tribute to Prince and Ali, recognizing their greatness in a variety of different ways. What makes this show special is that it is able to so easily honor both, being that it is not solely a music or a sports-oriented awards show. It really celebrates everyone in one way or another.

Want to see some of the winners from the BET Awards last night? Then just be sure to head over to the link here! Also, sign up over at this link to get some other TV news on all we cover, sent right over in your direction via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: BET.)