BET AWARDS” MARKS 25 YEARS OF CULTURE’S BIGGEST NIGHT WITH HOST KEVIN HART, FILLED WITH ICONIC TRIBUTES
Johannesburg, South Africa – Africa took centre stage at the “BET Awards” 2025 as South African Amapiano duo TxC clinched the Best New International Act, and Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr was crowned Best International Act, marking a powerful moment for African music on the global stage.
“BET Awards” 2025 delivered an epic celebration of Black culture’s past, present, and future with its 25th anniversary show hosted by entertainment mogul Kevin Hart. Airing live from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, the milestone broadcast paid tribute to a quarter-century of Black excellence in music, film, television, and sports with unforgettable moments, tributes, and culture-shifting performances.
Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & GM, Paramount Africa & Lead BET International, shared his excitement:
“Africa continues to be a driving force in shaping global culture. The wins by TxC and Ayra Starr are a testament to the continent’s creative excellence and influence. BET remains committed to celebrating and elevating African talent on the world’s biggest stages.”
The 106 & Park reunion brought a wave of nostalgia as hosts Free Marie Wright, Terrence J, Big Tigger, Keshia Chanté, and Julissa Bermudez took the stage. The celebration featured electrifying performances from 106 & Park-era icons, including former host Bow Wow a.k.a “Mr. 106 & Park,”Ashanti, Jim Jones, Amerie, Keyshia Cole, Mya, T.I., B2K and Jermaine Dupri.
Ultimate Icon Awards were presented to Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin, each honored with powerful performances and tributes:
- Mariah Carey delivered a dazzling set featuring DJ D-Nice, Anderson .Paak, and Rakim, and premiered her new single “Dangerous Type”. Busta Rhymes presented Mariah Carey with the Ultimate Icon Award, recognizing her prolific career and the blueprint she created for Hip-Hop collaborations.
- Snoop Dogg received his honor from Dr. Dre, and performed a West Coast medley with Charlie Wilson, Warren G, and Kurupt. He accepted his award alongside his wife Shante Broadus, and performed his hits, “Drop It Like It’s Hot”, “Nothin’ but a G Thang,” and Charlie Wilson joined him to perform “Beautiful” and “Outstanding.”
- Jamie Foxx, introduced by Stevie Wonder, was saluted by Babyface, Ludacris, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, Doug E. Fresh, and T-Pain before giving an emotional speech reflecting on his health journey. “When I was watching the memoriam, I was thanking God because that could have been me.”
- Kirk Franklin was presented with his Ultimate Icon Award by T.I. for his storied career. Following his acceptance speech, Franklin performed “Silver and Gold,“ “Smile,” “Revolution,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and “Stomp.” He was also joined on stage by Tamar Braxton, Jamal Roberts, Muni Long,and D.C. Young Fly.
Throughout this year’s ceremony, every moment served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy and future of Black excellence. Watch an encore of “BET Awards” 2025, June 10 at 8 PM CAT on BET. Relive and share every moment of the “BET Awards” 2025 available now on BET’s official YouTube page.
The complete list of winners, clips, and photos from the “BET Awards” 2025 is available here.
Full Recap of “BET Awards” 2025 Highlights
BET celebrated Black Excellence in music, television, film, and sports across more than 20 categories.
- Kevin Hart’s opening monologue set the tone for a night full of comedy, celebration, and reflection.
- BET officially announced 106 & Sports during the 25th anniversary celebration of the iconic 106 & Park. The new show will be hosted by NFL MVP and media personality Cam Newton alongside acclaimed sports journalist Ashley Nicole Moss.
- Leon Thomas brought rock and roll flair to his performance of “Mutt,” and gave a performance that blended his signature R&B and Rock flair. He was also awarded as this year’s Best New Artist.
- Big Tigger’s rap cypher featured Kid Capri, Ludacris, and Kevin Hart a.k.a Chocolate Droppa.
- Rap icon Lil Wayne made his return to the “BET Awards” with an electric performance of “A Milli.”
- Keyshia Cole joined GloRilla on stage for a new song “Typa” featuring R&B classic “Love.”
- In a powerful in memoriam performance, Lucky Daye, Luke James, and Michael Canton paid tribute to Wanda Sims, Frankie Beverly, Nikki Giovanni, Quincy Jones and Cissy Houston. Brittney Spencerpaid tribute to Angie Stone in a performance of “No More Rain,” while Andra Day honored the legacy of Roberta Flack in a moving rendition of “Killing Me Softly.”
- Teyana Taylor made a triumphant return to music, featuring Taraji P. Henson with an electrifying performance of her new singles “Fire Girl” & “Long Time” from her upcoming album.
- Tyler Perry introduced Ledisi, who moved audiences with “BLKWMN,” spotlighting the power of Black storytelling.
- On the BET Amplified stage, Ravyn Lenae performed her single “Love Me Not” and Elmiene delivered a performance of “Tears.”
- Presenters for the evening included: Annie Ilonzeh, Ashley Nicole Moss, Big Tigger, Busta Rhymes, Cam Newton, Ciara, Claudia Jordan, Crystal Renee, DC youngfly, Deon Cole, DeVon Franklin, Diamond White, Drew Sidora, Druski, Erica Mena, Erika Pinkett, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Kai Cenat, Keke Palmer, Ken Lawson, Keshia Chanté, Kerry Washington, Lala Anthony, letoya Luckett-Coles, Mariah the Scientist, Marques Houston, Quinta Brunson, Stevie Wonder, Terrence J, Tichina Arnold, T.I.P., Tisha Campbell, Tyler James Williams, Tyler Perry, and Xavier Smalls.
The complete list of winners for the “BET AWARDS” 2025 are:
BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT
TxC
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Ayra Starr
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
“GNX” – Kendrick Lamar
BEST COLLABORATION
“LUTHER” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
SZA
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
Chris Brown
BEST NEW ARTIST
Leon Thomas
BEST GROUP
Future & Metro Boomin
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Doechii
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Kendrick Lamar
DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
“Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music
BET HER AWARD
“Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
BEST MOVIE
“Luther: Never Too Much”
BEST ACTRESS
Cynthia Erivo
BEST ACTOR
Denzel Washington
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
Blue Ivy Carter
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Angel Reese – Basketball
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Jalen Hurts – Football
VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
“Residuals” – Chris Brown
For a full recap of “BET Awards” 2025 and show highlights, Click HERE
- BET Awards 2025 – Red Carpet
- BET Awards 2025 – Arrivals
- BET Awards 2025 – Show
- BET Awards 2025 – Press Room
- BET Awards 2025 – Backstage
- BET Awards 2025 Show Moments
- BET Awards 2025 Fashion Cam
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BET.com/bet-awards is the official site for “BET Awards” 2025 and is the official source for the latest news and updates about this year’s show. Follow us @BET and @BETAWARDS.
For more information on the “BET Awards” 2025, please visit BET.com/bet-awards.
Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, will oversee and Executive Produce the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, SVP of Tentpoles & Music Community Engagement, to also Executive Produce for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.
*“BET AWARDS” 2025 BROADCAST RESTRICTIONS
News programs and services may excerpt portions of the “BET Awards” 2025 telecast during the seven days following the broadcast premiere on Monday, June 9 solely for reporting about the “BET Awards” 2025 as an event and subject to the following conditions.
Broadcast Restrictions:
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Online Restrictions:
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