Hollywood couple Will Smith and wife Jada, who hosted the show, were introduced as "the president and first lady of black America" as they entered proceedings in a white horsedrawn carriage, heralded by an army of African drummers and dancers. The Smiths set forth a list of ground rules to keep the black music awards "classy". Will stated, "You don't need to come up here with all 15 people that you came with,"

leaving his wife to add, "There is a three-homeboy limit tonight. Period. "She added, "No bright suits and no gold goblets. This is not the Pimp of The Year Awards."

The couple later joked about their sex life during a candid moment on the show, when Jada revealed of her husband, "He likes me to spank him."

The first winners of the night were DESTINY'S CHILD, who claimed the Best Group honour, and ALICIA KEYS, who picked up the Best Female R&B Artist prize.