Photos: BET Awards 2014 | Show highlights

Pharrell Williams performs as the first musical act.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Singer-producer Pharrell Williams is joined onstage in a performance by rapper-producer Missy Elliott.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Actresses Gabrielle Union, left, and Regina Hall present the award for best new artist.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Singer August Alsina accepts the new artist award.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Rapper Lil Wayne raps in a solo performance.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Actress Zendaya and TV personality Nick Cannon reveal the award for top gospel artist.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Singer Tamela Mann accepts the award for top gospel artist.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Musician John Legend croons to the crowd.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Singer Jhene Aiko performs with John Legend (not pictured).  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Actors Kerry Washington and Kevin Hart present an award.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Usher goes through a medley of hits.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

As Usher sings, he’s joined by dancer Kaelynn Harris.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Chris Brown performs.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Travis Barker, top left, and Chris Brown perform.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Gary Owen, left, and Mike Tyson present the award for best male hip-hop artist.

Pharrell Williams accepts the award for best male R&B/pop artist.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Jennifer Hudson performs.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Actor Terry Crews, well known from TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nineâ€� and “Are We There Yet?â€� as well as other projects, takes the stage.   (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Nicki Minaj performs next to a large mushroom-like structure and a bunny.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Nicki Minaj, who won for female hip-hop artist, performs among fanciful structures.

Host Chris Rock hands out fried chicken and waffles.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Iggy Azalea, left, performs with T.I.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Yolanda Adams has joyful look as she sing at the awards ceremony.   (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Lionel Richie accepts the lifetime achievement award.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Singer Nicki Minaj and rapper Lil Wayne of Young Money accept the best group award.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Actress Phylicia Rashad talks at the BET Awards about Ruby Dee -- pictured at left -- and Maya Angelou.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Robin Thicke sings at the BET Awards.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images for BET)

Trey Songz, left, and August Alsina make up and perform together at the BET Awards.  (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

Floyd Mayweather Jr. presents the award for female hip-hop artist.

Nicki Minaj accepts the award for female hip-hop artist.