Singer/songwriter Keri Hilson, who attended Timbaland’s recent nuptials, said the lavish wedding in Aruba was “beautiful” and “fun.”

“It was very, very heartfelt, very sincere,” the “Way I Are” singer told reporters at the Interscope Geffen A&M Records Créme of the Crop dinner after the BET Awards Tuesday. “It wasn’t just a show to be a show, like a big to-do just to be a big to-do – it was really nice.”

Hip-hop producer Timbaland married

publicist Monique Idlett in front of hundreds of guests, including Missy Elliot, on Sunday.

And there was no shortage of entertainment. “I sang ‘Angels Watching Over Me,” said Hilson. Other performances included gospel singer Tamela Mann and musical artist Candice Nelson.

“It was a show, it was a huge deal,” Hilson added. “Private island, fireworks – the whole nine yards. But it was beautiful, very beautiful.”

The only hitch? Some rather unwelcome souvenirs. “I have mosquito bites to prove I was there. The Aruba mosquitoes are off the chain!”

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rap star Kanye West picked up two prizes on Tuesday at the BET Awards, an event honoring black recording artists, actors and athletes, while Alicia Keys was one of several stars who used the occasion to salute presidential contender Barack Obama.

The only other multiple winner was the hip-hop duo UGK, consisting of Bernard “Bun B” Freeman and the recently deceased Chad “Pimp C” Butler. In all 15 awards were handed out during a three-hour show mixing the heroes of contemporary hip-hop and old-school R&B.

Keys, flying high with a successful worldwide tour, a chart-topping album and an upcoming film, shared the stage with three leading female ensemble acts from the 1990s — TLC, En Vogue and Sisters with Voices — for a medley of R&B music.

She went on to win the prize for best female R&B artist, and offered a heartfelt endorsement to Obama, who would be the first African-American elected to the nation’s highest office.

“Together we can do anything — Obama, y’all!” she enthused.

Teen sensation Chris Brown, who topped the U.S. singles chart last year with “Kiss Kiss,” was named best male R&B performer.

AL GREEN IS SORRY

The evening’s most spine-tingling moment came when veteran soul crooner Al Green, recipient of a lifetime achievement award, got the audience in the Shrine Auditorium on its feet singing, and dancing, along with his classic 1970s hit “Let’s Stay Together.”

Beneath towering arches in an old cathedral downtown, a 20-member choir welcomed guests at the BET Awards pre-party with a rousing gospel tune.

Nelly, Ashanti, Jermaine Dupri and Jill Scott were among those who gathered Monday at Vibiana — a majestic church built in 1876 — for a private dinner hosted by Black Entertainment Television chairman Debra Lee.

As preparations for Tuesday’s BET Awards, which recognize the best in black entertainment in 15 categories, continued at the nearby Shrine Auditorium, nominees, sponsors and industry executives dined and danced in honor of the occasion.

“This night gives us a reason to celebrate,” Lee said. “We’re truly honored to be able to recognize the artists who are so important in our community. Not just the music, but the actors and athletes.”

Nominee Soulja Boy said he was glad to be included.

“I hope I win,” the 17-year-old rapper said. “The BET Awards represents me, where I come from and everything.”

He was especially excited about seeing fellow nominee Lil Wayne perform on the show.

Dupri, a producer who has worked with Mariah Carey and Usher, said he still gets a thrill from seeing celebs at the BET Awards.

“You get all the stars under one roof,” he said. “And it continues to grow.”

The historic cathedral took on a tropical vibe, thanks to bouquets of pink and purple orchids atop lime green tablecloths. Partygoers, including MC Lyte and Tyrese, boogied on the dance floor before sitting down to a dinner of lobster-and-grapefruit salad followed by a grilled veal chop.

Scott, who is set to perform a tribute to lifetime achievement award honoree Al Green on Tuesday’s show, kept things cooking into the night with a spirited set backed by an 11-piece band.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jamie Foxx needs no help getting dressed for trial — the actor has apparently reached a settlement with a former stylist who sued him. Documents filed Wednesday in Los Angeles show that attorneys for stylist Stacy Young and Foxx have reached an undisclosed agreement. Young helped Foxx primp for the 2006 BET Awards and a press junket for the film “Miami Vice.”

Her lawsuit claimed that she was never paid for the work or her costs.

Foxx’s attorneys denied the claims, saying Universal Studios, not Foxx, hired Young for the “Miami Vice” work.

Young’s attorney says their camp is “pleased” about the settlement, but declined to offer details. Foxx’s attorney did not respond to phone and e-mail messages left Thursday.

The BET Awards keeps getting more talent under its umbrella.

Rihanna will take the stage June 24, the show announced Thursday. Also added: Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson, Terrence Howard and Gabrielle Union.

The lineup had already included Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Nelly and Usher.

Hudson, Howard and Union will help present awards recognizing the year’s best musicians, music videos, actors and athletes.

Jill Scott will perform a tribute to BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner Al Green, and Quincy Jones will receive the network’s Humanitarian Award.

D.L. Hughley is set to host the show, which is to be broadcast live from the Shrine Auditorium.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.