The BET Awards has been the home of some of soul and R&B’s most moving tributes since the show’s first Lifetime Achievement Award was handed to Whitney Houston in 2001. Last night’s ceremony was no different, with viewers gushing over Jamie Foxx, Marsha Ambrosius and Ledisi’s tribute to Anita Baker, with Yolanda Adams’ powerful pipes garnering heavy praise from both fans at home and stars in the room.
Check out these other unforgettable tributes to legends such as Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross & more!
Fantasia’s Tribute to Patti Labelle
Fantasia is the go-to-girl for soulful tributes, having dedicated performances to greats such as Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Patti LaBelle, the last establishing itself as one of the American Idol winner’s best moments on stage in 2014.
Beyoncé’s Tribute to Tina Turner
Beyoncé is often called this generation’s Tina Turner, so who better to honor the trailblazing Rock ‘N Soul star than the Houston singer, who did just that during the 2005 Kennedy Center Honors.
Kim Burrell’s Tribute to Whitney Houston
Powerhouse gospel singer Kim Burrell’s friendship with Whitney Houston went well beyond their shared vocal talents, as the late Houston jumped for joy upon realizing the pastor would cover her 1996 classic, “I Believe In You & Me,” during her BET Honors tribute.
Jennifer Hudson’s Tribute to Whitney Houston.
After her passing, several other singers took on Houston’s classics in tribute, including Jennifer Hudson, who performed a stirring rendition of “One Moment in Time,” on a 2014 episode of TODAY.
Erykah Badu’s Tribute to Diana Ross
Ms. Badu was called upon to pay tribute to Supremes leading lady, Diana Ross, during the 2007 BET Awards.
Ledisi, Erykah Badu, Fantasia and Angie Stone’s Tribute to Chaka Khan
These four divas tore the house down in 2012 while honoring the R&B icon, covering several of her hits.
Beyoncé’s Tribute to Etta James
Not only did pop superstar Beyoncé play Queen Etta in 2008 film Cadillac Records, but paid tribute to the influential vocalist at the 2008 Fashion Rocks Awards.
Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride & Florence Welch’s Tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Adams’ Anita Baker tribute isn’t the first time the gospel powerhouse killed the mic in honor of another, as she tore the stage down alongside her pop, country and soul-singing peers while paying homage to Aretha Franklin at the 2011 Grammys.
Chrisette Michelle, Tamia, Faith Evans, Kem, Rachelle Farrell, Lalah Hathaway, Dionne Farris & Goapele’s Tribute to Anita Baker
Years before being officially honored by BET, the Detroit diva was honored by some of the most uniquely soulful voices in the game at the 2010 Soul Train Awards.
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