Watch Beyonce’s surprise performance at the BET Awards with Kendrick Lamar

When Beyonce’s dancers paraded down the BET Awards red carpet prior to the show, the rumours of an unannounced performance solidified.

But much of the three-hour award show was dedicated to Prince, who died in April.

Twenty-five years ago Prince himself graced the 1991 MTV Video Awards in a pair of yellow trousers with cutouts highlighting his bare bum.

Vocalist Maxwell offered his touching arrangement of “Nothing Compares To U”, altering the lyrics to address Prince.

Williams was introduced by BET CEO Debra Lee, who spoke about gun violence and brought up the recent Orlando shooting at the Pulse nightclub. Rihanna is in the running for awards including ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, ‘ ‘Video of the Year, ‘ and ‘Best Collaboration, ‘ for “Work” featuring Drake. The Sorry singer launches into a soulful rendition of Freedom as her dancers splash and groove in the container of water. Tiller also won best new artist.

The 67-year-old actor thanked god, his family and close friends for their support throughout his career. Award winners included Drake (Best Male Hip-hop Artist), gospel singer Kirk Franklin (Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational), Taraji P. Henson (Best Actress) and Serena Williams (Best Sportswoman).

Outside of the performances, the BET Awards honored actor and activist Jesse Williams (Humanitarian Award) and Samuel L. Jackson (Lifetime Acheivement Award).

The BET Awards also paid tribute to another cultural icon – the late Muhammad Ali – with a heartfelt speech by his daughter, Laila Ali.

“That brother is right and he’s true, and when you hear what he said, make sure you vote and you take eight more people with you to vote, OK?” “Let’s let them smell the flowers while they are still alive”, she said.

After The Talk co-host Sheryl Underwood suggested musicians like Larry Graham, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Morris Day and the Time and Sheila E. all “come together to have a big jam session” to honor Prince, Perry said some of those artists just aren’t relevant enough anymore. He died on June 3 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.