Viewers may not be prepared for what they’re about to see from Taraji P. Henson.
Before the 53-year-old Oscar-nominated actress takes the stage for the third time as host of the 2024 BET Awards on June 30, she’s talking about her plans for the annual ceremony — which include something unexpected.
“I’m showing off another talent that a lot of you don’t know I can do. Some of you do, but not all of you,” Henson tells PEOPLE, adding that she’s been wanting to show off her talent for a while now. “I just wasn’t on stage. I was, actually, once. But not everyone saw it. This is the biggest night of culture. The world will know.”
Taraji P. Henson Praises Megan Thee Stallion for Enduring ‘All Adversity’: ‘I’m Proud of You’ (Exclusive)
Taraji P. Henson hosts the BET Awards in Los Angeles in June 2022.
Kevin Winter/Getty
Even after two guest appearances on the show, The Color Purple star still gets jitters before the event starts – but she likes it that way.
“I love nerves. I’m still nervous. I get nervous the first day of shooting. It’s a live show. Everything can go right or wrong, you know, but that’s what’s so exciting about it,” Henson says. “That’s what I love about live theater. It keeps you on your toes.”
“The not knowing gets my adrenaline going, but the nerves are good. It just means you’re alive,” she continues. – If I wasn’t nervous, I would be nervous.
Taraji P. Henson Is ‘Excited To See’ What Will Smith ‘Has Up His Sleeve’ For 2024 BET Awards Performance (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(714x165:716x167)/Taraji-P-Henson-060324-2-82f85c3e54224515a8dda2a9f8653036.jpg)
Taraji P. Henson in Los Angeles in June 2022.
Momodu Mansaray/WireImage
Henson hasn’t been to the BET Awards since she last hosted in 2022, but she would have hosted last year had 2023 been a different look for the cast.
“I was ready to be the host last year and then we had [SAG and WGA] strike. So, I’m really excited this year. It will be an amazing show,” she says. “It’s the biggest night of culture. The performances will delight us all. We got Will Smith, guys. I’m so excited to see what he has up his sleeve.”
In addition to Smith, whose new song “You Can Make It” just came out, performers at the 2024 BET Awards will also include GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Victoria Monét, Lauryn Hill, YG Marley, Ice Spice , Tanner Adell, Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, Chlöe, Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover), Keke Palmer, Summer Walker, Marsha Ambrosius and Coco Jones.
Drake and Nicki Minaj Lead Nominations for 2024 BET Awards — See the Full List!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(711x174:713x176)/Taraji-P-Henson-attends-American-Black-Film-Festival-Honors-A-Celebration-Of-Black-Excellence-In-Hollywood-030424-1-91f0e6df76304cad904477f5f455eaea.jpg)
Taraji P. Henson in Los Angeles in March 2024.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Drake led this year’s nominations with seven, followed by Nicki Minaj with six, while J. Cole, Sexyy Red, SZA and Monét each earned five, and 21 Savage, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Megan, Tyla and Usher each received four.
“Usher is getting his flowers, and I’m so honored to be hosting the show where he’s getting his flowers. I’m just so proud of him,” continued Henson of the R&B icon, who will take home a lifetime achievement award at the show. “This is a proud moment for the culture.”
The 2024 BET Awards will air live on BET at 8:00 PM ET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 30.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education