Nicki Minaj donned a refreshing look at the recently concluded 2014 BET Awards held on June 29. The singer wore her curly hair down and her makeup was toned-down – far from her usual look.

She opened her performance by entering the stage on a bike. She disappeared for a while and emerged from a giant mushroom singing “Pills N Potions.” The set seemed to be inspired by Alice in Wonderland complete with rabbits, twigs, mushrooms, and fog adding to the dreamy effect.

It was a big night for Minaj who won the best female hip-hop artist for the fifth consecutive time. During her speech, she thanked Lil Wayne for giving her support. She also talked about writing her own lyrics and getting the recognition she deserves from the music industry.

Her speech also turned serious when she talked about her near death experience.

“The other day, literally I didn’t tell anybody this, I really thought I was about to die. Like, I was saying my prayers to die. And I didn’t even want to call the ambulance because I thought, ‘Well if I call the ambulance, it’s going to be on TMZ,’” she said.

She continued, “And I would rather sit there and die. And it made me realize I don’t care what anybody got to say. I’m going to do me.”

Other winners at the awards ceremony included Pharrell Williams for best male R&B artist/pop artist, Beyonce for best female R&B/pop singer, Lupita Nyong’o and Chiwetel Ejiofor for acting, Drake for best male hip-hop artist, and Young Money as the best group. Lionel Richie was also given a lifetime achievement award for his musical contributions.

The ceremony took away the attention from the reports of a stabbing and shooting at separate parties celebrating the awards ceremony. According to news reports, five people were injured and one was killed.

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