The Essence Awards-June 27th

[nikki25]

Did anyone see it last night?

I caught the last hour. It was, as always, fairly inspirational (especially the story of Cathy Hughes).

I was kinda disappointed in Johnny Gill...it sounds as if he isn't taking care of his gift these days. I loved that Heather Headley (NYers may know her as the lead for Broadway's The Lion King) sang. Of course, my girl Yolanda blew the house down with my favorite recording from her new album, Believe.

I was excited to see Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis get their props. Those guys truly do have the utmost integrity in their music and really have lyrics well matched with their artists (ala Mary J.'s "No More Drama" and Janet J.'s "Control", etc.). They are creative genuises who seemed to have been able to strike a powerful balance (personal and professional) that is key to longevity in the business.

I did see Roberta Flack and Stevie Wonder's tribute to Alicia. Since I wasn't able to catch the first hour, who were the persons presenting India with her award? Also, I kept seeing Angela Bassett in the audience. Was she an awardee or presenter?