The 25th Annual BET Awards was more than just a celebration — it was a moment. From the red carpet to the stage, Black excellence was on full display, and R&B music reminded us once again why it remains the Biggest night and heartbeat of the culture.
A Celebration 25 Years in the Making
Hosted by the effortlessly charismatic and funnyman Philly’s own Kevin Hart, the night was filled with tributes to the past and powerful nods to the future. Bringing together stars across music, film TV and sports to celebrate the culture and drive it forward.
The show opened with a bang. High-energy performance set the tone for a night that pulsed with rhythm, soul, and purpose. Kirk Franklin closed the show with an awe inspiring star-studded performance.
106 & Park Reunion
BET turned back the clock in the best way possible, bringing the energy and nostalgia for the 25th anniversary of 106 & Park with a full-on tribute that felt like a beautiful love letter to the golden era of R&B and hip hop.
The stage transformed into a reimagined version of the iconic set, as Ashanti kicked things off with a sultry lush vocal medley of classics like “Happy,” “Rock wit U (Awww Baby),” and the timeless “Foolish,” flanked by dancers dressed in sleek all-black fits.
From there, it was a non-stop celebration of early-2000s hits as Amerie, Keyshia Cole, Mya, T.I., B2K, Bow Wow, and more delivered crowd-pleasing performances that had the crowd reliving the show’s heyday.
In a full-circle moment, Terrence J, Free, and Julissa Bermudez returned to the spotlight together, reuniting onstage to honor the legacy of 106 & Park—the show that helped launch their careers and shape a generation of music television.
To cap off the tribute, BET revealed a fresh new chapter: 106 & Sports, a spinoff blending culture and competition, is officially on the way.
Awards
Kendrick Lamar dominated the night with four major wins, including Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip-hop Artist, and Video of the Year for his explosive anthem ” Not Like Us.” He also scored Best Collaboration with SZA on thier chart-topping hit “Luther,” and shared Video Director of the Year with creative partner Dave Free.
R&B Shines in the Spotlight
This year’s ceremony showed major love to R&B — both its trailblazers and fresh faces.
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist winner, SZA took home the crown, delivering a tearful speech that honored the genre’s emotional roots and her personal journey. Meanwhile, [Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Chris Brown reminded us why smooth vocals and raw vulnerability still reign supreme. Future and Metro Boomin took home Best Group honors, and their collaboration album “We Don’t Trust You” was also nominated for Album of the Year.
Summer Walker snagged The BET Her award for “Heart of a Woman,” a soulful and unfiltered ballad that struck a powerful emotional chord with listeners.
Ultimate Icon Awards
In a night dedicated to celebrating the legends who’ve helped define a generation, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg were each recognized with the prestigious Ultimate Icon Awards—a salute to their undeniable impact on music, culture, and legacy.
Voices That Moved the room: Jamie Foxx and Doechii Deliver Unforgettable Moments
Beyond the music and the fashion, the 25th Annual BET Awards proved once again that this stage is a platform for truth.
Jamie Foxx brought the entire auditorium to tears. Receiving his Ultimate Icon award, he paused, his voice trembling with raw emotion as he reflected on his near-death health scare. “I shouldn’t even be here,” he said, eyes glistening. “But God gave me another shot — and I don’t take that lightly.”
It was a rare, intimate moment from one of Hollywood’s brightest — a reminder that gratitude, grace, and vulnerability are also worthy of the spotlight.
During her acceptance speech winning Best Hip-Hop Female Artist, the genre-blending powerhouse Doechii took a bold stand, calling attention to the suffering of oppressed people both at home and abroad.
Her message was direct: “We can’t dance through the pain and ignore the cries.” Her words, delivered with quiet force, sparked a standing ovation — and a flood of discussion online.
In a time when art and activism walk hand in hand, Doechii reminded us that artists don’t just entertain — they lead.
These moments didn’t just elevate the show — they anchored it in humanity.
Film and TV also had their moment with Icons and breakout talent alike got their shine.
Breakout talent won big as former child actor, singer, songwriter, and multihyphenate Leon Thomas took home Best New Artist, cementing his rise from childhood stardom to full-fledged solo success.
Kirk Franklin, GloRilla, and Maverick City Music earned the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for their soul-stirring collaboration “Rain Down on Me.”
Icon and legend Denzel Washington added another accolade as Best Actor for his performance as Macrinus in Gladiator II. Cynthia Erivo was awarded Best Actress for her role in the fantasy film, Wicked, One of the best documentaries, multi-award-winning Filmmaker Dawn Porter’s Luther: Never Too Much snagged Best Movie, honoring the timeless legacy of a musical icon.
And in a true culture-shifting moment, Blue Ivy Carter received the YoungStars Award, marking a milestone moment for the rising style icon and performer. She continues to prove that the Carter legacy is not just secure—it’s flourishing.
Angel Reese dominated once again, taking home Sportswoman of the Year for her continued excellence and influence both on and off the court. Jalen Hurts, with his poise and powerhouse performance NFL Championship Philadelphia Eagles QB1, earned Sportsman of the Year, winning over fans far beyond the field.
This year’s BET Awards didn’t just deliver—it uplifted, inspired, and gave the culture its due. From the mic to the red carpet, this may go down as one of the most iconic nights in the show’s history.
For more the full lis of Winners, show highlights and Red Carpet, visit: www.BET.com/awards2025
