2017 VH1 ‘Dear Mama’: Event Photos and Videos

May 8, 2017

The following is an excerpt from a VH1 press release:

VH1 has released highlights from the second annual Mother’s Day special “Dear Mama: An Event To Honor Moms” which premieres May 8, 2017, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time/Pacific Time.  Co-hosted by Anthony Anderson and La La Anthony, the event as recorded at at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles on May 6, 2017. “Dear Mama” recognizes mothers with celebrity guests paying tribute to the women who have shaped their success. Celebrity participants include Halle Berry, Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, DJ Khaled, Gladys Knight, Ludacris, Maxwell, Chris Paul, Kelly Rowland and Robin Thicke.

Highlights include:

• Co-hosts Anthony Anderson and La La Anthony welcoming guests to the show by sharing anecdotes about their own mothers and sparking some good-natured ribbing.
• DJ Khaled providing a rare glimpse into his home via a tribute to his fiancée Nicole Tuck and their six month-old son Ashad. He then introduced Mr. Dalvin and K-Ci of the R&B group Jodeci, who serenaded the mothers in the house with their classic hit “Forever My Lady.”
• Ludacris commemorating the lasting impact of his mother Roberta Shields, and her unconditional love and support.
• Robin Thicke honoring his motherGloria Loring with a heartfelt selection of beloved jingles written by his father Alan Thicke and originally sung by his mother including “It Takes Diff’rent Strokes” and “The Facts of Life” culminating in a joint performance of her #1 80s hit ballad “Friends and Lovers,” with charmingly reworked lyrics replacing “lover” with “mother.”
• Kelly Rowland applauding her best friend La La for her friendship, great parenting advice and exemplary skills as a mother and role model to her son Kiyan Carmelo Anthony followed by a surprise performance by Anthony Anderson of his own rendition of Bruno Mars’ hit “That’s What I Like,” in honor of his co-host.
• Academy Award winner Halle Berry paying tribute to the crucial work of the Jenesse Center, a non-profit organization which aims to prevent domestic violence against women and children by introducing survivor Yesica Mendoza who took the stage to express her gratitude for the center and Berry’s commitment to the organization.
• Queen of R&B Mary J. Blige giving a moving speech about her mother Cora Blige and then surprising her with a jaw dropping performance by Gladys Knight who sang her classic “Midnight Train to Georgia,” Mrs. Blige’s favorite song.
• NBA superstar Chris Paul and his brother CJ recounting their childhood with their mother, Robin Paul, praising her selfless sacrifice and relentless drive to give them opportunities to better their lives.
• Taraji P. Henson and Pitbull recognizing the great work of the #SeeHer initiative of which Viacom is a partner. #SeeHer’s mission is to lead the movement to accurately portray women and girls in media, so that by 2020, they see themselves reflected as they truly are.
• Maxwell ending the night by bringing the house down with his hit song “Fortunate,” which he dedicated to his late grandmother.

Official sponsors of “Dear Mama: An Event To Honor Moms” include America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, DOVE® I Chocolate, Honey Bunches of Oats, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Tide PODS, T.J.Maxx and Unilever.

“Dear Mama: An Event To Honor Moms” was produced by Flavor Unit and Jesse Collins Entertainment.  Shakim Compere, Queen Latifah, Jesse Collins, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay are Executive Producers.  For VH1, Amy Doyle, Ryan Kroft, and Elena Diaz are Executive Producers, Paige Milleris Coordinating Producer, and Joe Buoye is Executive in Charge of Production.

Artist Awol Erizku created an Instagram installation at the event and took portraits of talent and their mothers. Portraits can be found on the @VH1 Instagram account.