The 2021 BET Awards will return live on Sunday, June 27, from the Microsoft Theater in California with a vaccinated-only audience.

Vaccination is the only way to celebrate the brightest stars across music, television, film, sports, and social impact as an audience member. BET said that it is working closely with Los Angeles County to support community vaccination efforts and to ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

Registration consideration for vaccinated individuals who desire to attend this year’s award show begins on May 27, 2021.

 “Since the beginning of the pandemic, BET has been at the forefront of recovery efforts for our community, turning entertainment touch points into opportunities to empower our audiences and help combat the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19,” BET president Scott Mills said in the announcement.

 “Vaccination rates among Black Americans are significantly lower than other communities.  We are committed to using our signature programming event–the BET Awards–to encourage vaccination in our community.”

BET has supported Black America’s recovery from the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 by leading vaccine campaigns, working with partners, and raising over $19 million dollars to assist nearly 4 million people impacted by COVID-19.

A blog post from BET discussed “COVID-19 In 2021: The Latest Updates, Facts And News Impacting The Global Black Community,” while mentioning that officials hope that relaxing CDC mask rules will encourage more people to seek vaccination against COVID-19.

Last year’s BET Awards was one of the first major awards shows to take place during the pandemic. The show mixed in-studio hosting with Amanda Seales and pre-recorded performances.

According to BET, the show was the #1 Cable Awards Show among P18-49 for the 2020 broadcast season, for the sixth consecutive calendar year. Nominees for the 2021 “BET Awards” will be announced at a later date, according to BET.