The 2025 BET Awards not only celebrated 25 years of cultural influence, but it reminded everyone watching what it looks like when a legacy platform grows with its audience instead of apart from them.
Held at the Peacock Theater and hosted by Kevin Hart, this year’s show hit a rare balance: reverence for the past, recognition of the present, and rollout for the future. Whether you were there for the 106 & Park throwbacks, Kendrick’s domination, or the soul-touching tributes, there was something about the entire night that felt intentional.
A Walk Down Memory Lane Leading to The Future
The 106 & Park reunion was one of the most exciting moments of the night, not just because it brought back Free, Terrence J, Big Tigger, Keshia Chanté, and Julissa Bermudez—but because it tapped into something deeper: emotional memory and the soundtrack of our lives.
From Amerie and Mya to T.I., Bow Wow, Mario and B2K, the lineup was designed to reflect a golden era in Black music television. It wasn’t just for the sake of nostalgia—it was used as a marker to reintroduce BET’s cultural significance to a younger generation, and to reclaim space in the ever-changing entertainment industry. Jalen Hurts and Angel Reese snagged Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year And in a surprise crossover, BET unveiled 106 & Sports, co-hosted by Cam Newton and Ashley Nicole Moss, a clear sign they’re moving boldly into new territory.
Iconic Tributes, Epic Performances
This year’s show made one thing clear: BET is leaning into its role as both an archive and an amplifier. “Treat your cultural events like content ecosystems. Think beyond viewership, think amplification.” — @prgirlmanifesto.
Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin were each awarded the Ultimate Icon Award with performances that felt like time capsules cracked open. Mariah shimmered next to DJ D-Nice and Rakim, debuting “Dangerous Type.” Snoop gave us a West Coast style performance with Charlie Wilson and Warren G. Foxx’s tribute brought tears, especially with Stevie Wonder by his side. And Kirk Franklin turned the stage into Sunday service with a medley of “Silver and Gold,” “Stomp,” and “Melodies from Heaven,” bringing together Muni Long and Tamar Braxton.
Jamie Foxx received a moving tribute from Stevie Wonder, Dougie Fresh, Teddy Riley, Craig Robinson, Jennifer Hudson, Tank, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Ludacris, and T-Pain. The emotion was palpable as he and his daughters watched in awe. Foxx gave a time stopping acceptance speech where he proclaimed “…second chances are real.“
In Memoriam segment Lucky Daye, Luke James, and Michael Canton honored Quincy Jones. Andra Day performed “Killing Me Softly” for Roberta Flack, and Brittney Spencer saluted Angie Stone.
Memorable Best New Artist Moments
Leon Thomas electrified the crowd with “Mutt” and snagged Best New Artist. His genre-blending energy marked him as the next to watch in mainstream R&B-rock. Glorilla surprised the audience with her Gospel win “Rain Down on Me” featuring Kirk Franklin.
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Lil Wayne dropped “A Mill”
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Keyshia Cole joined GloRilla for a remix of “Typa” with a live “Love”
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Teyana Taylor returned to music and tapped Taraji P. Henson for her performance debuting “Fire Girl” and “Long Time”
Kendrick Lamar Dominates
Kendrick claimed Album of the Year (GNX), Video of the Year (“Not Like Us”), Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and Director of the Year with Dave Free—capping a night of five total wins.
The 2025 BET Awards was a full-circle celebration honoring icons of the past simultaneously spotlighting the next generation. While Kendrick swept major categories, Teyana Taylor made a long-awaited return, and stars like GloRilla and Leon Thomas proved they’re next. BET didn’t just host a show. They crafted a moment. One that reminds us all that when culture leads, strategy follows. The night served as a reminder that storytelling, when done right, is a form of power. And BET, 45 years in, knows exactly how to wield it.
© 2025, Siani Leigh. All rights reserved.
