These Pictures From the BET Awards 10 Years Ago May Just Blow You Away

See what 3LW, Beyoncé, Chris Brown and more stars were up to in 2006

By Mike Vulpo Jun 26, 2016 1:00 PMTags
Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown, RihannaJon Kopaloff- Steve Granitz -J effrey Mayer / Getty Images

What a difference a decade makes!

As many pop culture fans know, tonight marks the 2016 BET Awards where Drake, Beyoncé and Rihanna lead the evening with the most nominations.

In addition, stars like Usher, Future and Alicia Keys are expected to take the stage at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles to deliver their biggest hits.

But while anticipation grows for the always unpredictable show, we couldn't help but travel back 10 years ago and look back at what was big at the 2006 BET Awards.

Damon Wayans served as host while Mariah Carey's "Don't Forget About Us" was favored to win the Viewers' Choice Award. In addition, the Black Eyed Peas were competing against Destiny's Child for Best Group. Yes, we still don't know how we chose a winner either.

Before tonight's festivities kick off at 8 p.m., take a trip down memory lane. And yes, feelings of nostalgia are understandable by the end of this post.

read
BET Awards 2016: Complete List of Nominations

1. Chris Brown was the winner of Best New Artist and maybe brightest Nike outfit.

M. Caulfield/WireImage

2. Kanye West and Jamie Foxx's collaboration of "Gold Digger" tied with Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" for Video of the Year. 

M. Caulfield/WireImage

3. 3LW was still together and "Playas Gon' Play" was obviously on all of our iPods CD players.

Jason Merritt/FilmMagic

4. When performing with Stevie Wonder, Prince reminded us all why he was so deserving of the Best Male R&B Artist Award.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

5. Pitbull was still Mr. 305 and yes, he looks the exact same 10 years later.

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

6. Long before being known as a star of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kenya Moore was receiving invitations to the BET awards.

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

7. Hot couple alert! Kelis and Nas were definitely an item and we didn't hate it one bit. 

Jason Merritt/FilmMagic

8. Beyoncé and Jay Z slayed with a performance of Déjà Vu. Oh and Queen B's body was just as impressive then as it is today. 

M. Caulfield/WireImage

9. Flavor of Love was our favorite guilty pleasure on TV and contestants like "Hottie" were invited to walk the red carpet. You better believe we know what time it is! 

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

10. Jamie and Fantasia thought it would be cool to kiss on the lips while performing "DJ Play a Love Song." 

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

For complete coverage of the BET Awards 2016, watch E! News Monday night at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

photos
2015 BET Awards: Red Carpet Arrivals