BET: Audio malfunction caused heavy censorship of Usher’s speech

AP:

Usher’s acceptance speech of the BET Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award was heartfelt, occasionally profane, and lengthy – and few people got to hear it.

The 13-minute speech was largely censored by the network, leaving viewers at home curious to know what Usher said. A BET spokesperson told The Associated Press that “due to an audio malfunction during the live telecast, portions of his speech were inadvertently muted. We extend our sincere apologies to Usher as we couldn’t be more grateful for his participation”.

A full version of the speech is now available on BET’s YouTube channel, with a few profanities removed. Much of his speech centered on the idea of fatherhood, forgiveness, and his three-decade long career. It appears that the heavy censoring started shortly after Usher said, “Sorry, I’m gonna curse and let you know how I really feel” early on in his acceptance.

He recounted walking into music mogul L.A. Reid’s office at 12 or 13 years old and telling a room full of executives that he’d make it. “That wasn’t ego speaking. I rebranded that word that day,” he said in a section of the speech that didn’t air. “I rebranded that word that day. I expressed goals out loud.”

The Grammy winner stayed on his feet as a parade of artistes performed his hits – Childish Gambino kicked it off with U Don’t Have to Call, joined by Keke Palmer, who took the lead on You Make Me Wanna. Coco Jones appeared in the audience for a sultry rendition of There Goes My Baby, serenading Usher and his wife, Jenn Goicoechea.

Summer Walker hit the stage for Good Good; Tinashe did Nice & Slow; Marsha Ambrosius tackled Superstar; and Chlöe performed Good Kisser. Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monét teamed up for Bad Girl, mirroring Usher and Beyoncé’s choreography from their performance of the song. Latto brought the energy for Yeah!

After introductions by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, Usher accepted the award from music executive L.A. Reid.