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Taraji P. Henson on Hosting BET Awards 2024: 'We Back, Baby!'

The actress tells BET she can’t wait to see Victoria Monet and Will Smith perform at the annual event.

Culture's biggest night is this Sunday (June 30) in Los Angeles and Taraji P. Henson is set to host BET Awards 2024 for the fourth year. “I'm super excited,” she yelled. “I am. I have been on my mark since the last BET Awards when we had that strike, it was hard. We back, baby.”

When asked why she decided to keep returning as a host, the actress said, “Why not? I mean, it's culture's biggest night.” Henson continued, “It's fun. I was trained in theater, on the theater, but live theater is where I feel most comfortable and where I have the most fun.”

She also added that the viewers can expect a good time while watching the annual event. “Like, you know, I'm always gonna bring the energy. It's gonna be high energy, it's gonna be fun,” she told BET. “I always have something really entertaining for the opening, so I'm excited to share with you what we've been working on.”

“The Color Purple” star revealed that her top two artists she’s excited to see are Victoria Monet, a performer, and Will Smith, who will perform a new song.

There will be a special tribute to Usher, who will be honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards. Henson says she is so proud of the R&B legend. “Oh, my God, Usher,” she began. “I am so proud of Usher. I'm just so happy, grateful, and honored to be hosting the night when he's going to receive his well-deserved flowers. He just continues to prove, while we still saying his name and dancing to his songs. He is R&B, baby. What else can I say?” 

Henson, who recently announced that she will be starring in Tyler Perry's new film “Straw,” just released her children’s book, “You Can Be A Good Friend (No Matter What!),” all while working on her hair and skincare line TPH by Taraji. When asked how she finds the time to navigate all her endeavors, she said, “One day at a time, one moment at a time. One second at a time. And when I can't do it, I say no and I take the time I need for myself.” 

The BET Awards will air live on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on BET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.

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