Rihanna, Brandy, Monica, & Lauryn Hill Celebrate 'Black Girls Rock!'

“Black Girls Rock!” delivered some powerhouse performances during the star-studded ceremony, which aired last night on BET. Brandy, Monica, and Ms. Lauryn Hill were among the performers who brought the show some extra magic, while powerful women like Shonda Rhimes and Rihanna were honored.

The “Work” singer gave an empowering speech while accepting the Rock Star Award. “Thank you so much for celebrating us in a world that doesn’t celebrate us enough,” said RiRi, adding that the honor was “a very important moment” in her life.

But music onstage was also a central part of the celebration as stellar artists graced the stage for some moving performances that ranged from theatrical to sobering to touching.

Brandy, who is dealing with label drama, put all of that aside as she killed a Broadway-like performance of “Beggin & Pleadin.” It was a hell of a live debut, as this was actually her first performance of the track.

Andra Day delivered a potent performance with a socially-conscious twist, thanks to the moving power of “Rise Up.” As she rocked her stirring vocals, women appeared on screen with messages about what they rise above.

Monica performed her latest Code Red single “Alone in Your Heart,” and she had some help. Not only was she backed by beautiful ballerinas, but she also brought out her own adorable ballerina: her daughter Laiyah.

Jazmine Sullivan delivered a work of art with her performance of “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa).” While her brilliant vocals wowed the crowd, contemporary dancers added even more depth and dazzle to the showing.

Ms. Lauryn Hill capped off the night with a performance of “Lost Ones.” Revamping and updating her classic, L. Boogie delivered a rockin’ performance of the Miseducation single that helped cement her legacy.