The 25th BET Awards took place Monday night, celebrating a mix of entertainment, social messages, and iconic figures. The ceremony highlighted powerful speeches, emotional moments, and musical tributes as it marked a major milestone in honoring Black excellence.
Doechii won best female hip-hop artist, her first-ever BET Award. During her speech, she drew attention to recent immigration raids and protest crackdowns happening nearby. She spoke about fear and chaos created under the name of law and order and called on people to stand together and speak up for oppressed communities. Her words brought urgency and emotion to the event, resonating with the audience at the Peacock Theater.
Jamie Foxx received the Ultimate Icon Award and became emotional during his acceptance. The actor and musician reflected on surviving a major health scare in 2023 and expressed gratitude for his second chance at life. Foxx was presented the award by Stevie Wonder, making the moment even more heartfelt. His daughters and sister watched from the audience as he delivered his emotional message.
Mariah Carey also received the Ultimate Icon Award. She admitted this was her first BET Award and said she has learned not to seek approval from others. Dr. Dre presented the award to Snoop Dogg, who took the stage with his wife and gave thanks to those who supported him. Snoop said hip-hop gave him purpose and helped him reach places he never thought possible. He emphasized that legacy is more important than fame.
Kirk Franklin, also an Ultimate Icon recipient, added humor to his speech by acknowledging he isn’t known for his singing. He expressed appreciation for the honor and credited his success to divine guidance.
Comedian Kevin Hart hosted the show and delivered jokes aimed at celebrities and recent controversies. He teased award winners and cracked jokes about Snoop Dogg’s real name and gospel artist Kirk Franklin’s on-stage antics. Hart also referenced Diddy’s legal issues with a playful jab about baby oil and afterparties.
Kendrick Lamar won album of the year for “GNX.” His song “Not Like Us” also earned song and record of the year at the Grammys. Lamar recently made history as the first solo hip-hop artist to headline a Super Bowl halftime show and is now on tour with SZA.
Performers at the ceremony included Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Amerie, Jim Jones, Teyana Taylor, Babyface, Ludacris, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, Teddy Riley, T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh, Craig Robinson, Playboi Carti and Leon Thomas.
The event also paid tribute to the long-running show “106 & Park.” Former hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J returned for a reunion. Performers such as Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I. and Mr. 106 & Park helped celebrate the show’s legacy.
