The 25th Annual BET Awards, held on June 9, 2025, at the iconic Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, delivered one of the most memorable nights in entertainment history.
Titled “Culture’s Biggest Night,” the ceremony marked a quarter-century of Black excellence, legacy, and unstoppable talent. Hosted by the irrepressible Kevin Hart, the show was an electrifying fusion of music, style, storytelling, and cultural homage that captured the heartbeat of the diaspora in a single night.
The evening’s performances were nothing short of cinematic. Teyana Taylor’s hauntingly beautiful set of “Long Time” stunned the audience with a theatrical edge, introduced by a powerful dramatic monologue from actress Taraji P. Henson. Taylor’s set was both minimalist and emotionally charged—a moving tribute to raw talent and expressive vulnerability.
Rap royalty Kendrick Lamar was the biggest winner of the night, walking away with four major awards including Album of the Year, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Video of the Year, and Video Director of the Year. His performances were layered, introspective, and ferocious—a masterclass in lyricism and live artistry.
The stage was graced by a diverse range of acts including Playboi Carti, GloRilla, Lil Wayne, Leon Thomas III, and a nostalgic 106 & Park 25th Anniversary segment that saw appearances from Keyshia Cole, B2K, and T.I. These moments spoke to both the legacy and the progression of Black music across generations.
Honoring Icons: A Night of Recognition and Reflection
One of the night’s defining features was the presentation of the Ultimate Icon Award to a cadre of legends: Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and gospel pioneer Kirk Franklin. Each honoree received a standing ovation and shared deeply personal acceptance speeches.
Jamie Foxx’s appearance was particularly emotional, marking one of his first major public outings since recovering from serious health challenges in 2024. His heartfelt speech reflected resilience, gratitude, and an enduring commitment to Black artistry.
Music legend Mariah Carey was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award—a significant and long-overdue recognition that also marked her first-ever BET Award win.
Her moment came after a stirring tribute speech from Busta Rhymes, who praised Carey’s timeless artistry, cultural impact, and genre-defying career. Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Carey reflected on her extraordinary journey, sharing, “My life and career have been quite the adventure. It took me some time, but I’ve come to understand that life is far too short to seek anyone else’s approval.”
In true Mariah fashion, she wrapped her speech with a message of self-empowerment, encouraging the audience to embrace their full selves unapologetically: “Be a diva—whatever that means to you—and own it.”
Carey wasn’t alone in being celebrated that night. She shared the Ultimate Icon honors with fellow trailblazers Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg—each recognized for decades of excellence across music, film, advocacy, and cultural influence.
Adding a layer of surprise and emotion to the night, Stevie Wonder appeared on stage to personally honor Jamie Foxx, paying tribute to their long-standing friendship and Foxx’s recent return to the public eye after health challenges in 2024.
These moments underscored the BET Awards’ commitment to not only celebrating current chart-toppers but also uplifting the legends whose work continues to shape generations.
The Global Resonance: Afrobeats and Beyond
With global Black music continuing to ascend, the Best International Act award went to Nigeria’s Ayra Starr, underscoring Afrobeats’ growing dominance on the world stage. Starr’s blend of vocal elegance and pop star charisma represents a new frontier of pan-African cultural expression.
Another powerful moment came from rising hip-hop star Doechii, who used her acceptance speech for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist to address social issues and spotlight the importance of representation. It was a reminder that the BET Awards is not just a stage for music but a platform for purpose
Returning to host after more than a decade, Kevin Hart delivered sharp humor and poignant reflection in equal measure. From clever jabs at industry peers to heartfelt commentary on the state of culture, Hart’s performance anchored the night with authenticity and wit.
Who were the show’s performers?
Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Amerie, Jim Jones and Teyana Taylor were some of the performers who hit the stage. Other performers included Babyface, Ludacris, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, Teddy Riley, T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh, Craig Robinson, Playboi Carti and singer Leon Thomas.
The BET Awards 2025 were more than just an award show. They were a time capsule of culture—honoring the legends, elevating the voices of today, and forecasting the future. Whether through groundbreaking performances, heartfelt speeches, or historic wins, this year’s event solidified its place as a defining moment in Black entertainment.
As BET continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the beat goes on, and the culture will always find new ways to thrive.
Stay locked on Music Custodian for more event recaps like this, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content from the biggest cultural moments of 2025
FULL LIST OF WINNERS – BET AWARDS 2025
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown
Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin
Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii
Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist – Leon Thomas
Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo
Best Actor – Denzel Washington
Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much
YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter
Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese (Basketball)
Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts (Football)
BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
Best International Act– Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Best New International Act – TXC (South Africa)
Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
Global Good – Mentivity (United Kingdom
The BET Awards offered tributes to former popular hosts and performances, including the network’s once-flagship program “106 & Park. ”
The weekday show launched in 2000 and lasted for more than a decade. It thrived with a video countdown, interviews and performances.
The show reunited past hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J. The tribute will feature performers such as Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I. and Mr. 106 & Park.
As BET celebrates the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards and the network’s 45th year as a cultural institution, this year’s show was more than just an awards ceremony—it was a reflection of legacy, elevation, and the limitless future of Black excellence.
