Braxton, a Maryland native, moved to the “A” in the 1990s and while accepting her award, admitted … “I consider myself a peach.”
According to the AJC, Toni’s sisters were originally scheduled to perform in her honor, but apparently backed out at the last minute.
Instead, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal was given the honors of introducing Toni, and he immediately joked about the camera crew from Toni’s reality show, ?Braxton Family Values,? hanging around backstage.
[Sidebar: I’m sure that means we’ll be hearing more about the drama that occurred during season 2 Braxton Family Values.]
Actor Samuel Jackson was on hand to present director Kenny Leon with his induction, which included a performance by Jasmine Guy and Usher and his prot?g? Justin Bieber presented an award to vocal coach Jan Smith.
Samuel Jackson inducts Director Kenny Leon
Acclaimed Broadway director Leon received the first official induction of the night, presented by his friend Samuel Jackson.
Known for serving 11 years as the Artistic Director at the Alliance Theatre and making a mark on Broadway with ?Raisin in the Sun? and ?Fences,? Leon is currently working with Jackson on ?The Mountaintop,? which opens on Broadway next month.
Jackson and Leon are old college buddies. Both attended college at the AU Center, Leon at Clark Atlanta University while Jackson was at Morehouse.
Leon praised Georgia for making him the artist that he is today, stating:
?I do a lot of work around the world,? Leon told the audience, ?but you made me the artist that I am. You gave me wings. No matter where I am, I am proud to say my home is Georgia.?
Justin Bieber & Usher have a lil fun backstage…
“One of the greatest things about Jellybean . . . is that his heart is still the same. He’s the same little guy I met in December 2008,” Smith said.
Later in the show, Smith returned the presentation favor by bestowing Bieber with the Horizon Award. The honor isn?t an induction into the hall of fame, but recognition of young performers for their outstanding achievements.
?Justin and is girlfriend Selena Gomez with Usher…
Photos: WireImage