The BET Awards aired last night and the star-studded event was full of fabulous gowns and daring choices. Entertainers, musicians and actors alike graced the red carpet, held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, and the show itself was just one fabulous celebratory party!

Va Va Voom

Meagan Goode looked super hot in a deep plunge dress. Her blue dress was a full length but with a front thigh-high split, and gathering detail on the front. Meagan teamed her gown with silver peeptoes and a matching box clutch, and a fohawk hairstyle. The silhouette dress showed off the actress’ curves très bon.

Mariah Carey skipped the red carpet but stunned on stage in a silver & white number. Her Pavoni by Mikael D Spring 2012 look was a mini dress with a sweetheart v-plunge neckline, with a floor-sweeping net overlay. The body and skirting were completely covered in embroidered glitter. Mariah teamed the already silver look with a lot of silver diamond jewels from her jewellery to her mic stand. Her performance of Beautiful (which you can watch here) itself was pretty phenomenal as she hit all her high notes!

The mental and beautiful Nicki Minaj wore a boobalicious Roberto Cavalli black gown with a large open panel on the front, leather gathering detail on the sides and lace detail on the skirt. She styled this gown with John Hardy jewellery and a red manicure. Her shoulder-length do and pink nude lippy & eyeshadow added to the sexiness. For the opening performance with Chris Brown, (which you can watch here), she wore an all-over crystal pavé bustier with zip and lace-up detail, black leggings and silver leather pointed heels. When performing with Ciara (which you can watch here), Nicki changed into leather pants and tank top ensemble, with a chunky bronze gold waistbelt, long gold chain necklaces and zebra print wedge sneakers. Nicki also won Best Female Hip Hop Artist.

Ciara donned a full Saint Laurent look, sporting leather from head-to-toe. Her black bralet and pencil skirt were teamed with silver leather pointed heels. Ciara styled this look with her cropped tousled hair, silver metal bangles and a large ring on her index finger, smokey eye make up and a black manicure. Her toned body is the main reason she can get away with this cropped look. Cici changed into a Topshop outfit for her performance of I’m Out & Body Party (which you can watch here), wearing a sheer shirt and cropped sweatpants, both with all-over dollar print, and an exposed black bra underneath. Her hair was flowy and she swapped her heels for black & white-checkered high top sneakers.

Miss Elegant

Gabrielle Douglas made her first performance at the BET Awards, in a beautiful Sherri Hill Fall 2013 gown. The nude waterfall gown has full black embroidery lace with a strong sweetheart neckline. Gabby teamed this dress with gorgeous Prada strappy platforms in nude patent. I love the dress & the shoes together, but I think had the dress been cinched in at the waist a bit more, or had it a high neck and shoulder detail, it would compliment the Olympic gymnast’s physique better. Gabby also won Young Stars Award & Sportswoman of the Year. 

Janelle Monáe also graced the carpet, wearing an all-white Dolce & Gabbana ensemble. Her two-piece suit was worn with a high-neck crisp white shirt, complete with extra long cuffs, adorned with silver cufflink buttons. What really made this a statement look were Janelle’s choice of Katarina Maxine diamond choker and a diamond necklace, Norman Silverman ear cuffs and a selection of rings. She finished the look with Jimmy Choo ‘Lance’ patent sandals, red lipstick and The Monáe signature pompadour curl. For her performance of Shut It Down (which you can watch here), Janelle changed into another white shirt, but this time with billowing sleeves and tucked into high-waisted leggings, teamed with open-toes ankle boots, printed in diamond checkers.

Brandy wore a stunning Michael Cinco gown, with a high neckline, slight peplum detail and cut out shoulders. The dress is also adorned in pearls all over, with classic embroidery on the front. Like many others, I too wish she had worn something simpler on her feet, but Brandy opted for Kempton by Privileged nude lace-up booties that feature studs along the back. Her beautiful smile, mid-length curled hair and minimal jewellery finished the look. 

Gabrielle Union walked the red carpet in a red mini dress by Zac Posen Pre-Fall 2013. Her strapless cocktail dress had a sweetheart neckline with contouring stitch detail on the bust & waist. The actress then changed for her on-stage presenting into a gorgeous white & silver floor length dress with bead embroidery, a scoop neck and an open back. This dress also features a thigh-high split. For both dresses Gabrielle wore a selection of silver rings and crystal pavé drop earrings, and black strap sandals. Gabrielle also won Best Movie for ‘Think Like a Man’ with her co-stars.

Summer Lovin

Soon-to-be bride of Wiz Khalifa, Amber Rose was summery in yellow, donning Versace ‘Memphis’ Resort 2013. Her yellow & black midi dress was detailed with graphic cutouts and contrast graphic print on the skirt, as well as rose gold round studs along the shoulder hems. The new mama wore black strappy sandals and a hot pink lipstick.

Mrs Robin Thicke, Paula Patton, also stepped out in summery attire, wearing a flowy white gown by Max Azria. The actress’ dress was sheer and pleated, with asymmetrical layering and a sweetheart neckline under the scoop neckline. She teamed her white number with white Christian Louboutin ‘June’ swoop strap heels and statement jewellery.

Destiny’s Child was repped by Michelle Williams, who wore a white statement gown. Her gown had beautiful gathered peplum detail with a wide v-plunge neckline and a minimal front split, with a gold metal waistbelt accenting the dress. Michelle also wore statement diamond shaped gold & white drop earrings, gold metal cross strap sandals. She styled the look with pink lippy & manicure and curly long tresses.