The 2014 BET Awards Show is said to have topped those held in previous years. Hosted by legendary comedian Chris Rock, this star-studded event included appearances from Kerry Washington and Larenz Tate, performances from Usher and Jennifer Hudson, and a special tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree Lionel Richie.

BET really stepped their game up with their annual awards show, and while there are many things that caught our attention, the following five highlights were the most notable:

1.) Robin Thicke Sang a Song for His Beloved, Paula Patton

Robin Thicke is really trying to win back his lady love. He sang a beautiful song for Paula Patton titled “Forever Love,” and it was obvious that he wanted her to know how sorry he is and how much he misses her. Thicke has cancelled shows, performed for Patton at other awards shows and he named his entire new album after his wife. We’re wishing him the best in his efforts to save his marriage.

2.) Trey Songz Joined August Alsina and Chris Brown On Stage for “I Luv This Sh**, Remix”

Earlier this year, August Alsina shamelessly scolded Keshia Chante for mentioning Trey Songz’s name on 106&Park during his visit. Imagine our surprise when Songz began singing in the middle of Alsina’s performance. Body language during the performance and an Instagram post after the show proved that the two have not patched things up. While the nature of Alsina’s beef with Songz is still unknown, apparently it was put aside for the moment since “business is never personal.”

3.) Nicki Minaj Gave a Brow-Raising Acceptance Speech

While rambling during her acceptance speech for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Nicki Minaj made it very clear that she writes her own lyrics. While no names were mentioned, and she said she wasn’t throwing shade at anyone, spectators couldn’t help but wonder who she might’ve been talking about or what she could’ve been implying. Besides that, and admitting that she had a recent near-death experience, it didn’t take away from the fact that she was awarded Best Female Hip-Hop Artist for the fifth year in a row.

4.) Pharrell Williams Took Home Two Awards for His Song, “Happy”

Pharrell has every reason to be happy. After opening for the BET Awards with Missy Elliott, he took home the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year awards. His song “Happy” has brought him much success and has touched the lives of thousands all over the world.

5.) Debra Lee Bestows the BET Humanitarian Award to All Involved in the Civil Rights Movement

This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights Act, enacted on July 2, 1964, outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and/or national origin. The Humanitarian Award, presented by State Farm, was accepted by Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of Civil Rights Activist Medgar Evers.

*Honorable Mention: Beyonce and Jay-Z Close the Show

Many were expecting The Carters to be present at the BET Awards. However, the viewing audience got to see footage from their On The Run Tour instead. Beyonce and Jay-Z were filmed performing “Partition” and the video was shown as the closing act.

What did you think of the 2014 BET Awards?