Mary J. Blige speaks during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Press Conference at Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb. 10, 2022 in Los Angeles.
Amy Sussman/GIFresh off her role in the acclaimed half-time show at the 2022 Super Bowl, Mary J. Blige will perform on the 2022 NAACP Image Awards. The show, hosted for the ninth consecutive year by Black-ish star Anthony Anderson, is set to air live on BET on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Blige has won nine NAACP Image Awards, including four awards for outstanding female artist. She has also won nine Grammys and has received two Academy Award nominations.
Anderson is a seven-time NAACP Image Awards winner.
Presenters include Issa Rae, Kerry Washington, LL Cool J, Michael Strahan, Morgan Freeman, Paula Patton, Questlove, Simu Liu, Tiffany Haddish and Zendaya, as well as NAACP president Derrick Johnson and NAACP board chairman Leon W. Russell.
Non-televised awards will be announced Feb. 21-25 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on naacpimageawards.net and the NAACP Image Awards YouTube channel. The NAACP is following the lead of the Primetime Emmy Awards, which also airs its pre-telecast awards across multiple nights. The bulk of the music awards will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 24.
The virtual shows will be hosted nightly by actor and comedian Affion Crockett. Presenters include Aida Rodriquez, Asiahn Bryant, Clint Coley, Cory Hardrict, Courtney Nichole, Demetrius Shipp Jr., Derrick Johnson, Karen Boykin-Towns, Khleo Thomas, Lauren Wesley Wilson, Leon W. Russell, Lori Harvey, Luke Lawal, Jr., Marcel Spears, Matt Cedeno, Melissa L. Williams, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and Wisdom Cole.
As previously announced, actor Samuel L. Jackson will be presented with the NAACP Chairman’s Award and Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project, will be presented with the Social Justice Impact Award.
Members of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, Texas House Democratic Caucus, and Texas Legislative Black Caucus will receive the Roy Wilkins Civil Rights Award. This will mark the first time since 1993 that the NAACP has presented this award, which goes to individuals who embrace the organization’s work fighting for justice, protecting voting rights and encouraging full participation in the political process. The award is named after the man who led the NAACP during the pivotal years of the modern civil rights movement. Past recipients include United Farm Workers president Cesar Chavez, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.
As previously announced, the Activist of the Year award will be presented to Scot X. Esdaile, president of the Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches and a member of the NAACP national board of directors. Youth Activist of the Year will be presented to Channing Hill, NAACP chapter president of Howard University.
For more information about the 53rd NAACP Image Awards, follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards.
Here’s a night-by-night breakdown of the pre-telecast awards.
Inside the Industry (virtual) – 7 p.m. (ET) / 4 p.m. (PT)
Awards Show Night 1 (virtual) – 8p.m. (ET) / 5 p.m. (PT)
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
Outstanding Podcast – News and Information
Outstanding Podcast – Arts and Entertainment
Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture
Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help
Special Award: NAACP Youth Activist of the Year
Inside the Industry: A Conversation – The Diaspora Prospective: Part 1 (virtual)– 7 p.m. (ET) / 4 p.m. (PT)
Awards Show Night 2 (virtual) – 8 p.m. (ET) / 5 p.m. (PT)
Outstanding Short-Form Series – Comedy or Drama
Outstanding Short-Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction
Outstanding Short-Form (Live Action)
Outstanding Short-Form (Animated)
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
Special Award: NAACP Activist of the Year
Inside the Industry: A Conversation – The Diaspora Prospective: Part 2 (virtual) – 7 p.m. (ET) / 4 p.m. (PT)
Awards Show Night 3 (virtual) – 8 p.m. (ET) / 5 p.m. (PT)
Outstanding Talk Series
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series
Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Outstanding Variety or Game Show (Series or Special)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
Outstanding Children’s Program
Outstanding Animated Series
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
Outstanding International Motion Picture
Outstanding Guest Performance
Special Award: Roy Wilkins Civil Rights Award
17th Annual NAACP Hollywood Bureau Symposium: A Report – Industry Executives of Color (virtual) – 7 p.m. (ET) / 4 p.m. (PT)
Awards Show Night 4 (virtual) – 8 p.m. (ET) / 5 p.m. (PT)
Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental
Outstanding Jazz Album – Vocal
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Outstanding International Song
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
Outstanding New Artist
Outstanding Male Artist
Outstanding Female Artist
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song
Outstanding Album
Special Award: NAACP Humanitarian of the Year
Inside the Industry (virtual) – 7 p.m. (ET) / 4 p.m. (PT)
Awards Show Night 5 (virtual) – 8 p.m. (ET) / 5 p.m. (PT)
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–series)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
NEWS
Kelly Rowland has shared some heartfelt guidance for KATSEYE as the girl group faces a challenging period, with Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman temporarily stepping away to prioritise their mental health.
Having experienced worldwide fame at an early age with Destiny’s Child, Kelly understands the intense pressure that comes with success and changes within a group. During an interview with Rolling Stone, she encouraged the KATSEYE members to look after their own needs while continuing to stand by one another.
She explained: “In an industry as fast-paced as music, where there are constantly eyes on you and pressure to keep rising, your health is one of the most sacred things you have.
“I learned during my time in Destiny’s Child that you can show up for your fans and your group while still honouring what you need as an individual.”
Kelly then revealed what she would personally tell the group: “My advice to the KATSEYE girls would be to listen to themselves, be kind to themselves, and continue supporting one another through every season.”
As KATSEYE continue their Wildworld tour, Kelly also highlighted the importance of making space to recharge: “Especially on tour, it’s so important to intentionally carve out time to rest and reset in their daily routines. Taking care of your mind and body is what allows you to bounce back, stay resilient, and keep doing what you love.”
KATSEYE began their Wildworld tour on Tuesday (01.09.26), although neither Sophia nor Manon was present.
Sophia discussed her decision on Instagram Stories, telling fans: “I cannot express how much I want to participate in this tour and perform for you all. I have to remind myself every day that our health and mental wellbeing should always be prioritised.
“When I show up for you, I want you to get the best version of me. I've been in ongoing treatment and doing everything I can to stay healthy, occupied and happy.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s important to care for yourself.”
KATSEYE later posted an official announcement on Instagram, saying: “We would like to share an update regarding Sophia’s upcoming schedule.
“Sophia is focusing on her wellbeing, and the company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed.”
Signed by HYBE and Geffen Records, the announcement verified that Sophia “will not be participating in the Wildworld Tour in Europe and the UK”.
However, no reference was made to the group’s scheduled performances in North America.
The statement added: “We sincerely ask for EYEKONS’ warm understanding, as our highest priority will always be the health and long-term well-being of our artists.
“We will share further updates as they become available. Please continue to send your love, warmth, and support to Sophia and KATSEYE.”
Sophia also expressed her appreciation for the care she has received from her management team and fellow members while dealing with her health concerns.
She added: “There’s been nothing but love and support from the company, my members, and everyone else around me as I work to get well. I can’t wait until I return and share the stage with my sisters again.
“They’re gonna put on an extraordinary performance for you. Trust me, I’ve been watching and they’re absolutely giving.”
Ending her message with gratitude, she told supporters: “I love you all so much. Thank you for understanding.”
The Pinky Up singers, whose lineup also includes Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung, have appeared with five members since February after Manon took a break to concentrate on her “health and wellbeing”. Sophia’s temporary absence means the group is currently performing with four members.
