The 'Stronger with Each Tear' singer opens the show with Anita Baker, while the 'You Don't Know My Name' hitmaker joins forces with Bruno Mars and Rick Ross.
- June 27, 2011
AceShowbiz -
Mary J. Blige has been chosen as an opening act at this year's BET Awards. Wearing an all-white skintight outfit and sporting a high ponytail, the soulful diva took the audience back to "What's the 411?", strutting her stuff and doing a medley of her '90s hits "Mary Jane" and "Real Love".
Next, Mary pays homage to Anita Baker by singing "Caught Up in the Rapture". She said, "This next song, if it hadn't been made I wouldn't be here." In her early career, she recorded the song for her demo tape and landed a deal at Uptown Records with the cover. She is joined by Anita herself for the special performance. After Anita withdrew from the stage, Mary proceeds her performance with two rappers Jadakiss and DJ Khaled.
The other performer that night is new mom Alicia Keys. The wife of Swizz Beatz shares the stage with Best New Artist nominee Bruno Mars and Best Male Hip-Hop Artist nominee Rick Ross. Rocking a braided side ponytail, she sits behind a black grand piano and belts out her smash hit "A Woman's Worth" with Mars and continues with "Maybach Music" with Ross, and ends with "Fallin".
Mary J. Blige:
Alicia Keys:
