By SUNIL Sonkar

June 28 — It turned out to be a night of hyped comebacks with Kanye West and Chris Brown at the BET Awards 2010. Alicia Keys was crowned with two wins, awarded with the Best Female R&B Artist and Best Collaboration. The second award was shared with Jay-Z for “Empire State of Mind.” Jay-Z, however, did not turn up for the award.

The show was opened with “Power” by West and some dramatic pyrotechnics. It marked the venerable rapper’s return from Taylor Swift-interrupting exile.

Todd Bridges gave a shout-out to Gary Coleman. Brown under-took the task of giving a surprising tribute to Michael Jackson, which marked the first anniversary of his death. Brown did the dance moves of Jackson with perfection.

The night was also a big one for honoring Mom.

Nicki Minaj, the half-joked Best Female Hip-Hop Artist winner, said: “My mom didn’t even know what channel this was going to be on.” She was clat in a prom-ready gown with a rocket-red wig.

Queen Latifah hosted the show with multi-costume, not only a bunch of different gowns, but even a leopard-print muumuu, prison-warden outfit from ‘Chicago’ and also a basketball jersey.

Viewers’ Choice: Rihanna and Young Jeezy, “Hard”
Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys
Best Male R&B Artist: Trey Songz
Best Female HIp-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist:
Best Collaboration: Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, “Empire State of Mind”
Video of the Year: Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, “Video Phone”

Yesterday’s BET Awards was not a night of time management as the show was for long three-and-a-half hours.