Las Vegas, NV – Usher’s acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement award at the BET Awards faced an unexpected hurdle when it was muted for almost five minutes. The incident occurred during the live telecast on Sunday, prompting an apology from BET. The network expressed regret for the audio malfunction that led to portions of Usher’s speech being silenced.
“BET is extending its apologies to R&B star Usher for the technical glitch that resulted in his speech being muted during the live broadcast of the BET Awards,” a BET spokesperson conveyed to TVLine. Despite the mishap, BET acknowledged the significance of Usher’s presence and participation during the ceremony, dubbing it as “Culture’s Biggest Night.”
During his acceptance speech, which lasted around 13 minutes, Usher encountered audio issues roughly four minutes in, causing interruptions and a complete audio loss for about five minutes. The glitches coincided with moments where Usher expressed gratitude towards influential figures in his life and highlighted the challenges he faced in his career.
Although Usher’s unfiltered language raised some eyebrows during the speech, he remained candid and authentic in his expressions, particularly when acknowledging the support he received from key individuals in the entertainment industry. The technical difficulties did not deter Usher from delivering a heartfelt message, touching on personal experiences and the importance of perseverance in his journey.
Despite the awkward pause in his speech, Usher’s message resonated with viewers, especially when he spoke about his children and the essential role they play in his life. The incident highlights the unpredictability of live television and the challenges of delivering a seamless performance in such environments.
Fans who missed out on the full uninterrupted speech can catch it on various BET platforms and during the encore presentation on BET. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of live events and the need for contingency plans to address unforeseen technical issues.