BET Awards 2012: Backstage and Candids

The champagne was flowing and the star power was glowing at the BET Awards ’12 in Los Angeles on Sunday. Hip-hop’s royal couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z held court in the front row, toasting their accolades alongside Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Solange grabbed a seat alongside her sister and boyfriend/director Alan Ferguson, while Nicki Minaj held hands with Kim. Backstage, Kanye and Mariah Carey greeted Whitney Houston’s mother Cissy and Wale and Miguel celebrated their win for Best Collaboration.

In the press room, Best Female Hip-Hop Artist winner Nicki posed with her Young Money labelmate Tyga. An ecstatic Mindless Behavior was still reveling in their win for Viewers’ Choice Award and Brandy had “one of the best nights of [her] ENTIRE LIFE” after honoring her idol Whitney Houston.

Check out over 20 candid photos from the star-studded affair.