All That’s Fab had the privilege of attending the BET Upfronts 2009 last night at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square.  For those that don’t know, this is an event in which the networks get a chance to present and showcase everything that they have to offer, in the form of upcoming shows and more, to potential advertisers and tastemakers.  I didn’t really know what to expect, but once we arrived the event was way more exciting than we bargained for.

Check out what we mean after the jump.

I will say that I’ve never been to an upfront before, so I wouldn’t know what to expect, but BET executives including Debra Lee, Stephen Hill and more really impressed and entertained me with their presentation.  With appearances from Mario Van Peebles, Monica, Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Mo’Nique, and MC Lyte, who wouldn’t be entertained?

Stand out surprises included Maxwell being announced as the first official performer for the BET Honors awards celebration, Monica appearing to discuss her new reality show “Monica: Still Standing“, Mary J. Blige and MC Lyte taking over the stage to announce their new show “The Hollywood Treatment“, and Mo’Nique comanding the stage to talk about her new talk show “Break Time with Mo’Nique“.  I will add that Mo’Nique COMPLETELY stole the show, and had the whole audience booming with laughter.  She is a nut, and I will definitely be watching her show.  Monica also took the time to thank VP of Programming, Stephen Hill, “for recognizing her mean shoe and boot game”.  Heyyyy!

(Mary J. Blige pictured with Monica. Yes, Monica give me those boots!)

*I wonder of Mo’Nique is calling Chilli a “Skinny Bitch” in her head.

BET’s presentation also included an introduction of their new channel, Centric, which will be launching in the 4th quarter of ‘09.  This channel is catered to a slightly older generation, and is an “entertainment and music channel that reflects that lifestyle and sensibilities of today’s African American adult 25 – 54″.  (This means no Soulja Boy “Turn My Swag On” or “Stanky Leg” or any other foolishness.)

We’re excited about the launch of this new channel, and are looking forward to the shows that they have to offer.  Stand outs that were presented included “Real Life Divas“, a biography series that steps into the lives of today’s most fascinating women, including Vanessa Williams, Naomi Campbell and more and the male counterpart to this show, “Leading Men” which profiles the private lives of today’s leading Black male role models, including Tyson Beckford, Ne-Yo, and Wynton Marsalis.  Another show that caught my eye was “Model City“, a show that “captures the intensity of trying to make it as an African American male model.  (The male models profiled in the show made an appearance at the Upfronts as well, causing CEO, Debra Lee, to blush. Heyyyy!)  It was also announced that Centric will be bringing the Soul Train Awards back, which is definitely something to look forward to.

To learn more about Centric, CLICK HERE.

Lastly, the presentation closed out with a great performance by legendary R&B diva, Anita Baker. You may check out it below.