The BET Awards 2025, dubbed “Culture’s Biggest Night,” celebrated its 25th anniversary on June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, honoring Black excellence in music, film, television, and sports. Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, the event featured electrifying performances, emotional tributes, and historic moments. Here’s everything you need to know about the nominees, performances, and how to watch the BET Awards 2025.
When and Where Did the BET Awards 2025 Take Place?
The BET Awards 2025 aired live on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The red carpet pre-show, hosted by Terrence J and Pretty Vee, began at 6 p.m. ET/PT, featuring performances and celebrity interviews.
How to Watch the BET Awards 2025
The ceremony was broadcast live on BET and simulcast on MTV, MTV2, Pop, Logo, CMT, Paramount Network, and NAN. For streaming, viewers with cable subscriptions could access the show via platforms like Hulu, Sling, DirecTV, or YouTube TV, which include BET. A free trial with Fubo was also an option for live streaming. Post-show, BET.com offered full performance clips, winner highlights, red carpet photos, and exclusive backstage interviews.
Key Nominees for BET Awards 2025
The nominations, announced on May 8, 2025, showcased a diverse range of talent. Kendrick Lamar led with 10 nominations, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla followed with six nods each, while Metro Boomin earned five, and SZA and The Weeknd each had four. Notable winners included:
- Album of the Year: Kendrick Lamar – GNX
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Doechii
- Best New Artist: Leon Thomas
- Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: GloRilla, Kirk Franklin, and Maverick City Music – “Rain Down on Me”
- Viewer’s Choice Award: Voting opened post-nomination, with Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” among top contenders.
The Best International Act category highlighted global Black music, with nominees like Rema (Nigeria), Uncle Waffles (South Africa), and Any Gabrielly (Brazil).
Ultimate Icon Award Recipients
Four entertainment legends received the Ultimate Icon Award for their decades-long contributions:
- Mariah Carey: Honored for her five-octave range and songwriting genius.
- Jamie Foxx: Recognized for his versatile career in film, music, and comedy.
- Snoop Dogg: Celebrated for his hip-hop legacy and cultural impact.
- Kirk Franklin: Awarded for revolutionizing gospel music.
Each honoree was feted with tributes, including a medley of Jamie Foxx’s hits by Craig Robinson, Babyface, Ludacris, and others, and a Roberta Flack tribute featuring Andra Day performing “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”
Standout Performances
The BET Awards 2025 delivered a star-studded lineup of performances:
- Snoop Dogg: Performed a medley of hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “The Next Episode” with Charlie Wilson, Warren G, and Kurupt.
- Kirk Franklin: Delivered gospel hits “Silver and Gold,” “Do It Again,” and “Stomp” alongside Tamar Braxton, Jamal Roberts, and Muni Long.
- GloRilla: Performed “Let Her Cook” and duetted with Keyshia Cole on “Love.”
- Playboi Carti: Took the stage with “Like Weezy” and “Rather Lie.”
- Teyana Taylor: Performed “Long Time,” introduced by Taraji P. Henson.
- Lil Wayne, Ledisi, Leon Thomas, and others also performed, with emerging artists like Elmiene and Ravyn Lenae shining on the BET Amplified stage.
A special tribute marked the 25th anniversary of 106 & Park, featuring performances by Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, T.I., B2K, Bow Wow, Amerie, Mya, and Jim Jones, with former hosts AJ Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J reuniting.
Why the BET Awards Matter
Established in 2001 by BET, the awards celebrate Black entertainers and minorities often overlooked by mainstream award shows. The 2025 ceremony highlighted 25 years of cultural excellence, blending nostalgia with forward-looking performances. From honoring icons to amplifying new voices, the BET Awards remain a vital platform for Black creativity and legacy.
Don’t Miss Out
Relive the BET Awards 2025 on BET.com for performances, speeches, and red carpet moments. Follow BET’s social media for exclusive content and updates. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop, R&B, gospel, or film, the BET Awards 2025 was a night of unforgettable Black excellence.
