2007 BET Awards show

Beyonce performs at the 7th annual BET Awards, rising from the stage dressed in what looks like armor. (Kevork Djansezian / AP)

Sept. 16, 2014 7:51 AM PT

Diana Ross, joined by her children, accepts the lifetime achievement award. (Kevork Djansezian / AP)

O’Jays singer Eddie Levert poses for photographs backstage. One of the night’s most touching performance was the elder Levert’s tribute to his late son, singer Gerald Levert, who died in November 2006. (Matt Sayles / AP)

Ciara tosses out benjamins, or washingtons, while performing. (Kevork Djansezian / AP)

Ludacris accepts the award for best collaboration (with Mary J. Blige) for ‘Runaway Love .’ (Kevork Djansezian / AP)

Jennifer Hudson accepts the award for best new artist. (Kevork Djansezian / AP)

Beyonce accepts the award for best female R&B artist. (Kevork Djansezian / AP)