The BET awards show is returning with an in-person audience in June, 2021. The event was among the first official award shows to take place during the pandemic last year. However, the BET Awards will return with a vaccinated audience in June.

The Black entertainment awards ceremony announced May 18, 2021 that it will be hosting the show live from the Microsoft Theater at Los Angeles Live, California. BET President Scott Mills said he hopes this live event will help raise awareness for coronavirus vaccination.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, BET has been at the forefront of recovery efforts for our community, turning entertainment touchpoints into opportunities to empower our audiences and help combat the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19. Vaccination rates among Black Americans are significantly lower than other communities.  We are committed to using our signature programming event The BET Awards  to encourage vaccination in our community.”

In addition to returning for a live event, the network will be working closely with Los Angeles County to support community vaccination efforts and ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols. In an effort to do this, BET is inviting vaccinated individuals to register starting May 27th for consideration to be a part of the audience.