She has devoted just as much of her time in the past year to preparing and delivering her first child, Blue Ivy, as she has to her career.

And it has clearly paid off for Beyonce Knowles, who proved she hasn’t lost any star power as she scooped up the Best Female R&B Artist gong at this evening’s 2012 BET Awards.

Knowles beamed as she took to the stage in a lime green slashed dress to collect her star-shaped trophy.

Thrilled: Singer Beyonce accepted the award for Best Female R&B Artist onstage during the 2012 BET Awards tonight

She was also acknowledged for Video Director of the Year and had been seated in the audience throughout the evening next to her showbiz pals including Kim Kardashian and sister Solange.

Kanye West kicked off the show with his G.O.O.D Music group members.

The ever-changing group whose current acts include Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz took to the stage in front of a star studded crowd to perform their tune titled Mercy.

Welcome surprise: She flashed her thight as she collected her trophy at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles

Star pals: She was seated next to her sister Solange, Jay-Z and Kanye West and  Kim Kardashian

Kick-off: West performed a medley of tracks with his group G.O.O.D

But of course, West was the star of the show despite being joined by his fellow Getting Out Our Dreams band mates, later spilling out his track Way Too Cold and collecting Best Group gong with his The Throne partner Jay-Z.

As they accepted the accolade, Kanye made a joke referring to his Taylor Swift controversy at the 2009 MTV VMAs, where he interrupted her speech to say Beyoncé should have scooped up the Best Female Video award.

This time he joked that he never says the right thing in these situations and that only music partner Jay-Z could say something politically correct.

Crowd pleaser: Usher took to the stage despite recent legal dramas

Controversial: Petite star Nicki Minaj performed an expletive-filled few tracks

Keeping it humble: Chris Brown accepted the award for Best Male R&B and hinted at retirement

Jay-Z said: ‘Thank you. We really worked hard on this album. We didn’t rely on our name. We appreciate everybody, the tour, from here to Europe. We’re just going to keep making the best stuff ever.’

The gags didn’t end there though as Jay-Z joked later on as they collected the award for Video Of The Year.

He quipped: ‘Kanye, I’m going to let you continue but…’

Touching voice: Singer Melanie Fiona performed in a sheer maxi gown

In memory: Cissy Houston performed during a tribute to her late daughter, Whitney Houston

Movie man: Tyler Perry presented at the ceremony

Kanye made good use of his platform and promoted his line of Yeezy 2 trainers by Nike – which received a $80,000 bid on eBay – as part of a freestyle section.

His lyrics also included a mention of Whitney Houston’s death, who was remembered as well as Robin Gibb, Rodney King, Vesta and Etta James during the ceremony.

The top nominee of the night was West, who was up for seven awards. Beyoncé followed with six possible wins and her husband earned five.

He’s back: D’Angelo performed at a piano for one of his first stints on stage in a long while

Dulcet tones: Singer and actor Tyrese looked great in monochrome

She’s got soul! Singer Yolanda Adams was the winner of the Best Gospel Award

Chris Brown picked up Best R&B Male Artist and the AOL Fandemonium gong, but shocked audiences when he carried out his acceptance speech as he hinted at retirement.

He said: ‘I’d like to thank Team Breezy, everybody who worked on any one of my albums. My last album that’s coming out in two days. … I just want to thank all my fans. It’s dedicated to You all. This one’s for y’all, man, I appreciate everything.’

It is not clear whether the star was simply talking about his most recent LP or announcing it would be his final one.

Funnymen: Director Spike Lee and host Samuel L. Jackson belted out their version of N****s In Paris

Comic genius: Kevin Hart accepted the award for Best Actor

Usher was in the spirit to serenade the ladies with his smooth vocals despite being involved in two legal dramas which involve an alleged stalker who believes she is his wife and battling for custody of his two children against his ex-spouse.

Female favourite D’Angelo got behind the piano for his first performance in a long time, while Melanie Fiona delivered a touching vocal.

Subway-sponsored Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards went to Kevin Durant and Serena Williams respectively.

Big names: Singer Mariah Carey attended the ceremony in California

A Centric Award was also given to Common during the pre-show.

Samuel L. Jackson began a night of comedy with by performing a version of N****s I Paris with Spike Lee.

The song received lots of negative attention recently when Jay-Z and Beyonce’s actress friend Gwyneth Paltrow tweeted in reference to the track.

Awesome duo: Rappers Wale and Miguel were the winners of Best Collaboration Award

Up-and-coming: Recording Artist Big Sean accepted the award for Best New Artist

Classic: Frankie Beverly of the band Maze accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award

Top accolade: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET, Debra Lee, right, presented The Rev. Al Sharpton with the Humanitarian Award

Source:https://www.dailymail.co.uk