Rihanna Receives "Rock Star Award", Hillary Clinton Makes Surprise Appearance, Brandy Performs “Beggin & Pleadin” & More at 2016 Black Girls Rock

The 10th annual “Black Girls Rock” went down this weekend (April 1) at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey and was hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, as BET celebrated women of color who are rocking it in the entertainment industry as well as other fields.

Some of the honorees included, Rihanna, Shonda Rhimes, Gladys Knight who received the Living Legend Award from Dionne Warwick and Kelly Rowland, Danai Gurira, Amandla Stenberg, and the ‘Black Lives Matter’ Founders Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Cullors.

Secretary and Democratic Candidate Hilary Clinton also made a surprise appearance to honor ‘Black Girls Rock’ founder, Beverly Bond, for the event’s 10th anniversary. The presidential hopeful was greeted with a roar of applause as she took the stage.

One of the highlights of the night was our fave, Brandy who took to the stage to perform her latest single “Beggin & Pleadin” for the first time. We’re told there were tons of other magical moments including a stellar tribute to Gladys Knight, Rihanna receiving her “Rock Star Award” and the honoring of Black Lives Matters founders just to name a few.

Be sure to tune in as the show airs Tuesday, April 5 at 8 p.m./7 p.m. Central time, on BET. Get into some snaps from various outlets in attendance below.

I no longer give a **** #BlackGirlsRock #BegginAndPleadin

A photo posted by B R AN D Y / S L A Y A N A (@4everbrandy) on Apr 1, 2016 at 8:42pm PDT

Just days away from #BlackGirlsRock & this fearless Beauty was an honoree .. Love her spirit & confidence .. This look ??she slayyyyyed effortlessly… #WomenAreSOdope @badgalriri

A photo posted by Monica Brown (@monicabrown) on Apr 3, 2016 at 1:07pm PDT

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A photo posted by Monica Brown (@monicabrown) on Apr 2, 2016 at 10:59am PDT

?????? Cape by @NicolasJebran #BlackGirlsRock #Rehearsal @BET pic.twitter.com/KyJJGdD6tO

— Tracee Ellis Ross (@TraceeEllisRoss) April 4, 2016

.@HillaryClinton received a standing ovation while attending the #BlackGirlsRock ceremony: https://t.co/h6YMpolJ8x pic.twitter.com/KgykNdBz7u

— VibeMagazine (@VibeMagazine) April 3, 2016

ICYMI: Looks of the ladies at #BlackGirlsRock including honoree @Rihanna; show airs Tuesday night on @BET: pic.twitter.com/GvCDTBEzuF

— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) April 3, 2016

Great time @BLACKGIRLSROCK Thank you Stylist: Tim Snell and Make-up @therealcmichael I feel and look beautiful. ?❤️ pic.twitter.com/swjhAzxgbw

— ledisi (@ledisi) April 2, 2016