Beyoncé BET Awards
Beyoncé was the first of many entertaining performers at the BET Awards show in Los Angeles June 26, 2016. Reuters

With more than 3 1/2 hours of airtime, the 2016 BET Awards ceremony could’ve easily been a snoozefest Sunday night. Yet, the presentation at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles was kept lively with plenty of show-stopping performances. Many artists not only covered their own hits but also honored Prince, who died of a fentanyl overdose in April. Relive some of the show’s best numbers below.

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar: The BET Awards people know how to kick off a ceremony: Beyoncé made a surprise appearance with Kendrick Lamar. The two opened with their song “Freedom.”

Janelle Monáe: The “Tightrope” singer presented one of many tributes to Prince throughout the night. Her medley, including “I Would Die 4 U,” “Kiss” and “Pop Life,” had the whole audience on their feet.

Alicia Keys: The singer proved she is a one-woman band with her performance of “In Common.”

Sheila E.: Prince’s longtime collaborator thrilled the audience with her 8-minute medley of Prince songs. She fit in about 10 different tunes, including “Baby I’m a Star,” “Erotic City” and “Housequake.”

Jennifer Hudson: The Academy Award winner was another singer who honored Prince with a phenomenal rendition of “Purple Rain.”

Desiigner: The rapper brought plenty of energy to the stage with his performance of “Panda.”

Which performances were your favorites at the 2016 BET Awards? Sound off in the comments section below!

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