The twenty fifth Annual BET Awards was greater than only a celebration — it was a second. From the purple carpet to the stage, Black excellence was on full show, and R&B music reminded us as soon as once more why it stays the Greatest evening and heartbeat of the tradition.
A Celebration 25 Years within the Making
Hosted by the effortlessly charismatic and funnyman Philly’s personal Kevin Hart, the evening was stuffed with tributes to the previous and highly effective nods to the long run. Bringing collectively stars throughout music, movie TV and sports activities to rejoice the tradition and drive it ahead.
The present opened with a bang. Excessive-energy efficiency set the tone for an evening that pulsed with rhythm, soul, and goal. Kirk Franklin closed the present with an awe inspiring star-studded efficiency.
106 & Park Reunion
BET turned again the clock in one of the simplest ways doable, bringing the power and nostalgia for the twenty fifth anniversary of 106 & Park with a full-on tribute that felt like a gorgeous love letter to the golden period of R&B and hip hop.
The stage remodeled right into a reimagined model of the enduring set, as Ashanti kicked issues off with a sultry lush vocal medley of classics like “Comfortable,” “Rock wit U (Awww Child),” and the timeless “Silly,” flanked by dancers wearing glossy all-black matches.
From there, it was a continuous celebration of early-2000s hits as Amerie, Keyshia Cole, Mya, T.I., B2K, Bow Wow, and extra delivered crowd-pleasing performances that had the group reliving the present’s heyday.
In a full-circle moment, Terrence J, Free, and Julissa Bermudez returned to the highlight collectively, reuniting onstage to honor the legacy of 106 & Park—the present that helped launch their careers and form a technology of music tv.
To cap off the tribute, BET revealed a recent new chapter: 106 & Sports activities, a derivative mixing tradition and competitors, is formally on the way in which.
Awards
Kendrick Lamar dominated the evening with 4 main wins, together with Album of the 12 months for GNX, Finest Male Hip-hop Artist, and Video of the 12 months for his explosive anthem ” Not Like Us.” He additionally scored Finest Collaboration with SZA on thier chart-topping hit “Luther,” and shared Video Director of the 12 months with inventive associate Dave Free.
R&B Shines within the Highlight
This yr’s ceremony confirmed main like to R&B — each its trailblazers and recent faces.
Finest Feminine R&B/Pop Artist winner, SZA took residence the crown, delivering a tearful speech that honored the style’s emotional roots and her private journey. In the meantime, [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 Ship Unforgettable Moments
Past the music and the style, the twenty fifth Annual BET Awards proved as soon as once more that this stage is a platform for fact.
Jamie Foxx introduced the complete auditorium to tears. Receiving his Final Icon award, he paused, his voice trembling with uncooked emotion as he mirrored on his near-death well being scare. “I shouldn’t even be right here,” he mentioned, eyes glistening. “However God gave me one other shot — and I don’t take that calmly.”
It was a uncommon, intimate second from one in all Hollywood’s brightest — a reminder that gratitude, grace, and vulnerability are additionally worthy of the highlight.
Throughout her acceptance speech successful Finest Hip-Hop Feminine Artist, the genre-blending powerhouse Doechii took a daring stand, calling consideration to the struggling of oppressed individuals each at residence and overseas.
Her message was direct: “We will’t dance by means of the ache and ignore the cries.” Her phrases, delivered with quiet drive, sparked a standing ovation — and a flood of debate on-line.
In a time when artwork and activism stroll hand in hand, Doechii reminded us that artists don’t simply entertain — they lead.
These moments didn’t simply elevate the present — they anchored it in humanity.
Movie and TV additionally had their second with Icons and breakout expertise alike received their shine.
Breakout expertise received huge as former youngster actor, singer, songwriter, and multihyphenate Leon Thomas took residence Finest New Artist, cementing his rise from childhood stardom to full-fledged solo success.
Kirk Franklin, GloRilla, and Maverick Metropolis Music earned the Dr. Bobby Jones Finest Gospel/Inspirational Award for his or her soul-stirring collaboration “Rain Down on Me.”
Icon and legend Denzel Washington added one other accolade as Finest Actor for his efficiency as Macrinus in Gladiator II. Cynthia Erivo was awarded Finest Actress for her position within the fantasy movie, Depraved, The most effective documentaries, multi-award-winning Filmmaker Daybreak Porter’s Luther: By no means Too A lot snagged Finest Film, honoring the timeless legacy of a musical icon.
And in a real culture-shifting second, Blue Ivy Carter obtained the YoungStars Award, marking a milestone second for the rising type icon and performer. She continues to show that the Carter legacy is not only safe—it’s flourishing.
Angel Reese dominated as soon as once more, taking residence Sportswoman of the 12 months for her continued excellence and affect each on and off the courtroom. Jalen Hurts, along with his poise and powerhouse efficiency NFL Championship Philadelphia Eagles QB1, earned Sportsman of the 12 months, successful over followers far past the sphere.
This yr’s BET Awards didn’t simply ship—it uplifted, impressed, and gave the tradition its due. From the mic to the purple carpet, this may increasingly go down as one of the vital iconic nights within the present’s historical past.
For extra the total lis of Winners, present highlights and Pink Carpet, go to: www.BET.com/awards2025