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Jay-Z, Beyonce and Nicki Minaj were among the big winners at last night’s 2012 BET Awards.

Jay-Z shared the honor of Best Group with his Watch the Throne collaborator Kanye West, and the two also won Video of the Year for their Spike Jones directed video for “Otis.” Nicki Minaj took home the award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artists, while Beyonce won for Best Female R&B Artist. Beyonce also won for Video Director of the Year, along with Alan Ferguson.

When Kanye West began giving his acceptance speech for the Video of the Year win, Jay-Z interrupted him, joking, “Excuse me Kanye, I’m gonna let you continue, but…” recalling West’s infamous interruption of Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. But the night wasn’t all fun and games, and the most emotional moments came with tributes to Whitney Houston.

The tribute opened with Mariah Carey, who said, “I miss my friend, I miss hearing her voice and laughter.” Monica then appeared to sing “I Love the Lord,” and Brandy sang “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” and “I’m Your Baby Tonight.” Chaka Khan, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine and Gary Houston – Whitney’s brother – also participated in the tribute. But it was Houston’s mother Cissy that provided the most emotional moment.

Cissy Houston sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in tribute to her daughter. During the performance, many in the audience, including Beyonce and Souja Boy, were shown in tears.

There were many other notable performances throughout the night, including the first television appearance in many years by D’Angelo, who is staging a comeback this year. Usher performed his new single “Climax,” and Nicki Minaj performed “Champion” and “Beez In the Trap” along with 2 Chainz.

Rev. Al Sharpton received the humanitarian award, and used the opportunity to encourage the audience of the show to vote in the upcoming November presidential election.

“This election is not just about Obama,” he said, “this is about your momma.”