The BET Awards 2025 are coming in hot, and with this being the 25th anniversary, you already know they’re pulling out all the stops. This year’s show, happening June 9 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, is more than just an awards ceremony. It’s a full-on celebration of Black excellence across music, film, TV, and sports, with a few legendary surprises in store.
What’s New at the BET Awards 2025
For starters, we’re looking at a pretty major milestone: 25 years of the BET Awards. That’s two and a half decades of spotlighting the culture, setting trends, and honouring the people who push the needle.
Hosting this year? Kevin Hart’s back in action. It’s his first time since 2011, and if history is any indication, we’re in for a night packed with laughs, sharp commentary, and probably a few emotional moments too.
Another nostalgic hit: a 106 & Park 25th Anniversary Reunion. Yeah, seriously. The iconic show is making a brief comeback, reuniting familiar faces and old-school vibes. Think: vintage fits, fan-favourite moments, and maybe a few “Freestyle Friday” throwbacks. If you grew up on 106, you might want to have tissues nearby.
Also big this year: the Ultimate Icon Awards. And the honorees? Just a little lineup that includes Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin. These four are being honoured not just for longevity, but for shaping the culture in their massive ways.
What’s New at the BET Awards 2025
In the nominations department, Kendrick Lamar is way out front with 10 nods, no surprise there. His name pops up for Album of the Year, Video of the Year, and a bunch more.
Right behind him? Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla, each racking up six nominations. The list reflects where hip-hop and R&B are heading, and it’s clearly in good hands.
Here’s a peek at some key categories:
Album of the Year
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Chris Brown – 11:11 Deluxe
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Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
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Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Video of the Year
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Key Glock – “3 AM in Tokeyo”
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Doechii – “Denial Is a River”
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Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
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The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti – “Timeless”
Best Hip-Hop Artist (Male/Female)
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Kendrick, Drake, Doechii, Cardi B, Tyler, the Creator
Best R&B/Pop Artist (Male/Female)
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Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Ari Lennox, Kehlani, SZA
Best New Artist
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41, Ayra Starr, Teddy Swims
Best International Act
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A global lineup from Nigeria, Brazil, South Africa, and beyond
Sports Awards
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Shining a light on icons like Coco Gauff, LeBron James, and Simone Biles, who’ve gone above and beyond in sport and influence.
Why the BET Awards 2025 Is a Must-Watch Event
If you’ve ever watched the BET Awards, you know it’s not just about who wins. It’s about moments, those electric performances, passionate speeches, and the conversations that carry on long after the curtains close.
Expect:
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Unforgettable Performances – The kind where your jaw drops and you immediately hit replay
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Emotional Tributes – Celebrating legends who’ve shaped the industry
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Cameos Galore – From Hollywood stars to athletes to viral icons
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Powerful Commentary – On culture, community, and everything in between
In other words, this year’s BET Awards isn’t just something to watch, it’s something to feel.
How to Watch It All Go Down
No worries if you can’t make it to LA, there are plenty of ways to join the party:
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Watch Live: Tune in on the BET Network
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Stream It: Catch it on BET Digital or through partner platforms
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Experience It IRL: Head to BET Experience 2025 in Los Angeles (June 5–9) for live concerts, panel discussions, and chances to meet celebs
Wrapping It Up
The BET Awards 2025 isn’t just another red-carpet event, it’s a cultural landmark. With Kendrick, Doechii, and Drake battling it out, and icons like Mariah Carey and Snoop Dogg getting their flowers, it’s set to be a night of energy, nostalgia, and deep cultural pride.
Whether you’re in it for the fashion, the drama, the reunions, or the music, one thing’s for sure: you don’t want to miss this. It’s a celebration of 25 years of Black brilliance, and honestly, it might just be the most powerful one yet.
