'BET Awards 11' Draws 7.7 Million Viewers

Sunday's BET Awards 11 telecast drew 7.7 million viewers, the network announced Monday.

The awards show, which was dominated by R&B singer Chris Brown -- who won four awards including video of the year -- bested the 7.3 million viewers garnered by last year's telecast, according to Nielsen.

Also performing on the show were singers Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, and Mary J. Blige, as well as rap acts Rick Ross and Lil Wayne.

Singer Patti LaBelle and comedian/actor/writer Steve Harvey were presented with special awards during the live event, hosted by comedian Kevin Hart.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.