The BET Awards celebrated a huge milestone. Their 25th anniversary, at the Peacock Theater in LA. It was a night packed with energy, heart, and, of course, major talent. Kevin Hart kept the vibe lively as host, guiding us through a ceremony that honored not just today’s stars but the legends who paved the way and those gearing up to take over next.
2025 BET Awards: The Ultimate Icon Award Moments
One of the most significant moments was undoubtedly the presentation of the Ultimate Icon Award. This year, BET didn’t hold back, handing out this honor to four powerhouse figures: Kirk Franklin, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Mariah Carey. These artists haven’t just shaped entertainment. They have helped define entire generations.
- Kirk Franklin, who is essentially gospel music royalty, changed the game by blending classic gospel vibes with modern sounds, inspiring countless fans with his uplifting spirit.
- Jamie Foxx’s journey was especially moving. Beyond his Oscar-winning acting and musical talents, his resilience shone through as he shared his recovery from a stroke, reminding everyone how much strength and heart he brings both on and off stage.
- Snoop Dogg, the ever-cool OG of hip-hop, showed once again why he’s still relevant decades into his career, crossing over into all kinds of entertainment but always keeping it real.
- And then there’s Mariah Carey, the “Songbird Supreme” with that insane vocal range and countless chart-topping hits. Her acceptance speech was touching, full of gratitude for her fans who’ve supported her through the years.
Who Took Home the Big Awards?
Kendrick Lamar ran the BET Awards show with five wins, including Album of the Year for GNX. He also snagged Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Best Collaboration for “Luther” with SZA, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and shared Video Director of the Year with Dave Free. Talk about dominating the night.
Other winners making waves:
- Doechii, named Best Female Hip Hop Artist, proving she’s one to watch.
- SZA, grabbing Best Female R&B/Pop Artist for her soulful, emotional tracks.
- Chris Brown, still going strong as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist.
- Leon Thomas, fresh on the scene and winning Best New Artist with his unique rock-rap fusion.
- GloRilla teaming up with Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for “Rain Down on Me”—a beautiful mix of gospel and hip-hop vibes.
In film, Never Too Much (Luther) won Best Movie. Denzel Washington and Cynthia Erivo were named Best Actor and Actress, adding to their impressive careers.
Young star Blue Ivy Carter also got some love with the YoungStars Award at the BET Awards, showing just how early her impact has been.
Sports fans cheered for Angel Reese and Jalen Hurts, who took Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year honors, respectively. Meanwhile, Nigerian artist Ayra Starr snagged Best International Act, spotlighting BET’s global reach.
And Summer Walker picked up the BET Her Award for her album Heart of a Woman, a powerful anthem for Black female empowerment.
Show-Stopping Performances and Tributes
The performances at the BET Awards? Electric. Mariah Carey transformed the stage into a vibrant nightclub scene, DJ D-Nice spinning alongside her and surprise guests popping up to amp up the crowd. It was a joyful celebration of why she’s truly an icon.
Lil Wayne gave a soulful, gospel-infused debut of his latest track, blending raw emotion with a powerful vocal performance. Leon Thomas brought energy with “Mutt,” showing off his genre-bending rock and rap style.
Teyana Taylor previewed her upcoming project, Escape Roo,m with a futuristic set and dancers, pushing creative boundaries with her bold red look and robotic moves.
One of the most nostalgic moments was the “106 & Park” Tribute Medley, where early 2000s stars like Ashanti, Jim Jones, Amerie, Keyshia Cole, Mya, T.I., B2K, and Bow Wow reunited to perform hits that defined an era. The Quincy Jones Tribute was a soulful highlight, featuring Lucky Daye, Miles Caton, and Luke James performing “Secret Garden” to honor the legendary producer’s incredible legacy.
Jamie Foxx’s tribute was a beautiful mix of humor and heartfelt moments. Music legends like Stevie Wonder, Babyface, and Jennifer Hudson came together to celebrate Foxx’s career, while he shared a deeply personal speech about overcoming his stroke, leaving the crowd visibly moved.
Global Flavors and Cultural Impact
This year also really showed BET’s growing global footprint. Ghanaian star Moliy brought their unique flavor to the stage, reminding everyone how African artists are shaping the worldwide music scene.
Marking 25 years of the BET Awards alongside BET’s 45th anniversary, the night was a perfect blend of honoring legends and shining a spotlight on fresh talent. It was a vibrant celebration of Black culture in all its depth and diversity, one that looked back with pride and forward with excitement.
