Queen Latifah, Diddy and other stars shine bright at BET Awards 2010 in New York City during swanky press conference



(BlackPress.org) - In a display of utter class, the nominees were announced today in a swanky 2010 Nomination Day press conference at 27th and 5th Ave in New York City.

"We are thrilled that Queen Latifahis going to host the BET AWARDS '10," said Stephen Hill, BET Networks' Presidentof Music Programming and Specials. "Her versatility as aperformer perfectly matches the dynamism of our show. This will be theperfect 10. Get ready for stirring performances, a surprise that willknock you out and massive quantities of fun; all helmed by 'The Queen.'"

While the celebrity appearances were good, I wish you could have seen the way the network's marketing staff handled their business.

Arriving at 27th and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the press were greeted by a suave Black doorman who made the ladies want to holler. Once inside, journos were escorted to what I'll call "Security Check Point One" where your name was checked against the list of invited media pros. From there you passed another handsome Black doorman, this one was in charge of securing a private elevator for the celebrities (Diddy, Dirty Money, Latifah) to use. A quick left turn took you to a final bank of elevators in which a billboard stating "BET Awards '10 Press Conference, Media Check-In, 20th Floor).

Once off the elevator, the tone was set to "Opulence."


Diddy's new group, DIRTY MONEY, were on hand at the May 18
BET Awards 2010 press conference in New York City.

Members of the working press and later the celebrities, were greeted by BET's marketing staff where I call Security Check Point Two. Names were double checked. Badges were given and then the party began.

No editorial boss worth his salt would have approved of the lavish Ebony and Ivory layout of the room that felt more suited for a private Maxwell concert than a press conference. Certainly, the impressive food buffet which featured Smoked Nova Scotia Salmon on pumperknickel  with dill cream sauce would have given most hard-nosed editors a heart attack. But for the lucky journalists who were credentialed for the event, it was a perfect 10.

Outside, Black SUVs dropped off the celebrities starting with Dirty Money and Diddy, then the queen herself. As the rain poured down, the celebs were escorted into the building by umbrella toting security team members and rushed upstairs where the official announcement was made.

This year’s award show, which is set to air on Sunday, June 27th at 8P.M. on BET with a live stream taking place on BET.com, will be broadcast live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The show will feature performances from Diddy-Dirty Money, Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj and Drake, in addition to promised surprises. On the nomination tip, Jay-Z leads the pack with an impressive five nominations, followed by Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Trey Songz and Melanie Fiona tied for four nominations. Expect a surprise nomination for  Justin Bieber for Best New Artist to make him the first Caucasian to win a BET Award.

In all, it was one of the best rainy, cold Tuesdays I think I've ever had ,and certainly one of the best press conferences in recent memory.

Stay tuned for the Full Report including pics and more coming this afternoon at  http://blog.blackpodcasts.net