SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE: LESLIE JONES TO HOST 2017 “BET AWARDS”


SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE: LESLIE JONES TO HOST 2017 “BET AWARDS”

(Black PR Wire) New York, NY – BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B sted NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), recently revealed comedian and actress Leslie Jones as host for this year’s”BET Awards.” Her first major award show gig, Leslie joins a long line of stand-up comedians that have rocked the role, including Chris Rock, Mo’Nique, Kevin Hart and Chris Tucker. This year’s broadcast marks 17 years of unexpected performances, trailblazing moments, super dope talent, and entertainment’s most provocative players. The iconic show continues

to be a cultural rule breaker steeped in reinvention with some of the most memorable moments in Award show history. The “BET

Awards” has set the standard for one of the most intently unconventional, news-provoking broadcasts. The 2017 “BET Awards” will air LIVE on Sunday, June 25 at 8 pm ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA on BET.

A staple on the Saturday Night Live writing team, Leslie Jones gained on-camera popularity after a memorable performance during the show’s “Weekend Update” segment where she played herself. Now in her third year on the cast, Jones is known to be a talented and fiercely independent performer whose brash and unapologetic riffs can ruffle feathers. Leslie starred in Paul Feig’s reboot of “Ghostbusters”, with other film credits that include Chris Rock’s “Top Five,” Judd Apatow’s “Trainwreck”, the animated film “Sing” and the upcoming “Masterminds”.

“I am so excited to be hosting The BET Awards this year,” said Saturday Night Live star Leslie Jones, “BET was the first network and place where I was on TV - I am looking to turn this whole experience into a joyful homecoming.”

As previously announced, Beyoncédominates this year’s nominations with a total of seven including ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist,’ ‘Best Collaboration’ with Kendrick Lamar for “Freedom,” ‘Video of the Year,’ and ‘Album of the Year’ for Lemonade. Bruno Mars follows with five nods including ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist,’ and ‘Video of

the Year’ for “24K Magic.” Other nominees include Solange, nominated for four awards and who is up against sister Beyoncé for ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist.’ Chance the Rapper and Migos receive four nominations

as well, Chance the Rapper nominated for ‘Best Male Hip-Hop Artist’ and ‘Best New Artist’ and Migos for ‘Best Group’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ for their #1 hit “Bad and Boujee” with Lil Uzi Vert.

BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 19 categories with the “BET Awards” 2017 nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans

and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

The 2017 “BET Awards” will premiere around the world on BET’s international networks. It will air in the UK on Tuesday, June 27th at 9:00pm BST, in Africa on Tuesday, June 27th at 8:00pm CAT, and in France on Wednesday, June 28th at 9:00pm CEST. Internationally, fans in 100 countries can also stream the 2017 “BET Awards” live with BET Play, BET International’s subscription video on demand application. The iOS and Android app, which also features current and classic BET television series, documentaries, standup comedy and legendary musical performances, will carry a live feed of the red carpet and the Awards,

and is available for download now in the iTunes and Google Play stores for $3.99 a month following a seven-day free trial.

Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment serves as Executive Producer. Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials serves as Executive Producers for BET Networks.

The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles from June 22-25, 2017. BET.com/betawards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year’s show. VIP Packages for the 5th year of the BET Experience weekend are better than ever and now on-sale. In addition to VIP amenities throughout the weekend and incredible seats for STAPLES Center shows, three levels of BETX VIP Packages offer guests the only opportunity to purchase tickets to the highly-anticipated BET Awards, broadcast live from Microsoft Theater. Last year the in-demand VIP Packages sold out, so guests are encouraged to purchase now before the allotment is depleted. Full package amenities and pricing for the Diamond, Platinum and Gold VIP Packages can be found by visiting

BETExperience.com or by calling (877) 234-8425.

General tickets for the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® are on sale now at http://www.axs.com/betexperience.

Download the BETX ‘17 app powered by AT&T, the #1 source for everything BETX, including real-time event updates, full schedules, BET Fan Fest wristbands, daily prizes, ticket giveaways, live streams and much more.

Follow the BET Experience on Twitter @betexperience for the latest and greatest and join the hottest conversation by using #BETX.

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