Hitting the stage to perform "Climax," Usher was joined by music's finest from Kanye West and Maze to Nicki Minaj and Chante Moore who all graced the stage for the 2012 BET Awards.  Watch performance clips and check the pics inside.....

Tonight's 2012 BET Awards started off with a stellar performance by the G.O.O.D. Music Group who kicked off the show with their performance of "Mercy."  Lots of energy.  And Kanye's semi-freestyle was something for the books.

And the planned "surprise" from Hov during The Throne's acceptance speech (and hilariously interrupted 'Ye later).

Rick Ross and his Maybach Music Group also hit the stage and performed hits including "Bag Of Money."

Melanie Fiona killed her performance of "The Wrong Side Of Love."  Chick's peformance game has definitely been upgraded over the last couple of years.  One of my fave performances of the night honestly.

Another fave--Maze featuring Frankie Beverly performed on tv for the first time ever (WTF took so long--they are royalty!).  And a tribute to the group included performances by Joe, Tyrese and Faith Evans. 

A shirtless Chris Brown, who had half of his body painted like a robot, performed "Don't Wake Me Up" including a series of stunts and acrobatic moves.

Chante Moore did a hot tribute to Donna Summer where she performed "Bad Girls" and "Love To Love You Baby."  And don't miss the super high note she hits at the end.

Also.......

D'Angelo made an anticipated return to the stage where he performed "Untitled" & more.  Unfortunately....the shirt stayed on.  But he sounded like he never left.

Kevin Hart's Real Husbands of Hollywood returned starring Kevin and Samuel along with Anthony Anderson and Faizon Love.  Fun-ty. 

Nicki Minaj showcased her ASSets during a performance of "Beez In The Trap" where she was joined by a cadre of sexy female dancers.

For the Whitney Houston tribute, Monica performed "I Love The Lord" while Brandy sang "I'm Your Baby Tonight" & "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."  Loved her channeling young Whitney.  The ladies were followed by an emotional tribute from Nippy's brother Gary Houston and her mom Cissy Houston. Cissy left everyone in tears with her take on "Bridge Over Troubled Water."  Afterwards, Chaka Khan came out to perform "I'm Every Woman."  The tribute kicked off with an openng from Mariah.

Tyga also hit the stage to close out with "Rack City" and Cash Out.

Watch the 2012 BET AWARD performances here (will be updated throughout the night):