Los Angeles, June 28 – Despite the absence of some high profile award winners like Kanye West, Denzel Washington, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Serena Williams and Shaquille O’Neal, Tuesday’s BET Awards show was truly star-studded. Halle Berry, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Fantasia Barrino, Missy Elliott and Tom Cruise were all there.

And many awardees, including Alicia Keys, Desitny’s Child, John Legend and Ciara, did make the scene at the Kodak Theater to pick up their trophies. The Fugees reunited for a rare performance to kick off the show. Lifetime achievement winner Gladys Knight rocked the house with some of her old hits.

We did not see Paula Abdul, but her rumored fling, former American Idol contestant Corey Clark, was there. The mood was certainly calm. Hip hop artist The Game, who always has a dangerous feud going with someone or other, felt safe enough to bring his two-year-old son, Harlem, along with him.