Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary and Deitrick Haddon collaborated in a  gospel tribute performance to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins and Malaco Records, whose headquarters were recently damaged in the southeastern tornado disaster.  They sang ‘Thank You’ and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Deitrick, Erica and Tina back stage.

Presenting the BET Award for Best Gospel Artist the Braxton Sister did it in their own unique way by singing an  old Gospel classic.Gospel singing duo Mary Mary won the BET Award for Best Gospel Artist.  Congrats, ladies! They were presented the award immediately following their participation in the Tribute. Tina walked back onto the stage apologizing for not having her shoes on.

Other performances by gospel artists last night included Shirley Caesar’s performance of ‘You Are My Friend’ in tribute to Patti LaBelle and Mali Music’s spotlight performance on the Music Matters stage. A performance that was cut in editing for television watcher but must have been breath taking in person because during the BET televised after party rapper JCole couldn’t stop talking about it.