The 2022 BET Awards: Big Freedia Wears a Pink Metallic Cape, and We 'Forget the Rest'

The BET awards took place Sunday night, and host Taraji P. Henson wasted no time calling out the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade.

“You are damn right: It’s about damn time we step into our power,” Henson said, following Lizzo’s opening performance of “It’s About Damn Time.” “It is about time we talk about the fact that guns have more rights than a woman. It’s a sad day in America. … A weapon that can take lives has more power than a woman who can give life, if she chooses to.”

Beyond Henson’s impassioned monologue, the show still delivered plenty of eye candy, stunning performances, and surprise guests—including the one and only Mariah Carey, who showed up to perform with rapper Latto, winner of Best New Artist.

Of course, BET Awards show is known for its bold, outlandish looks, and we could all use a little mindless fashion gazing in our lives right now. So without further ado, here are the best, brightest, and kookiest looks, plus Big Freedia, who nailed all three.

Big Freedia

Big Freedia has released my anger, released my stress, released my mind. Wrap me up in that giant, metallic pink cape and tell me everything’s going to be OK.

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Lizzo

Lizzo never misses out on the chance to make a grand entrance. And this is very grand dame meets old Hollywood—just spectacular. If the supply chain crisis hasn’t already hit the feather factory—those cuffs just did the trick.

Chloe Bailey

There’s nothing more jaw-dropping than a gown with a stunning statement décolleté—and my statement is that this dress is one of the best of the night.

Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba

We love a gorgeously coordinated duo! Unfortunately, Idris Elba should have tried to coordinate a little more with his wife, Sabrina. While she looks suave, he looks more creamsicle.

Ari Lennox

Sensual. Bold. Flirty. We love a little black dress with a slit and a sleeve. No notes.

Janelle Monae

Hm. A leather harness and leather rose over a velvet bustier with a sheer skirt hanging from silver clasps? Why stop there? She could have added black lace gloves. And a black denim hat. And a black metallic cape! If you’re gonna wear something that mix and matches materials, then why not mix and match all of them.

Paula Patton

An off-the-shoulders bubblegum pink gown with matching pink shoes is quite the look. And one that we’ve all seen before. Beautiful, yes. Bright, definitely. Inspiring? Risky? Interesting?! No.

Billy Porter

With Halloween only four months away, it’s a great time to start brainstorming looks—and Porter’s eerie ensemble and disorienting eye makeup are the perfect pair to scare off annoying trick-or-treaters.

Thomas Mackie

I can’t focus on anything but his abs. Sorry. I bet the outfit is great.

Mary J. Blige

The Queen of R&B is also the angel of my dreams. She looks like she ascended from a rave in the heavens to bless us all here on Earth. Hallelujah!

Cynthia Erivo

Love the bold print and platform disco heels on Cynthia Erivo! Don’t love the Hot Topic belt, but we’ll blame that on Louis Vuitton.

Jack Harlow

The effort here is clearly minimal to nonexistent, but he gets a pass for paying homage to his friend and collaborator Lil Nas, who didn’t attend the awards after (shockingly) receiving zero nominations. Try harder next time, Jack.