BET Awards 2025 Recap — Kendrick Lamar Doechii Jamie Foxx & Mariah Carey Shine
Relive the highlights of the 25th BET Awards including standout performances by Doechii and Lil Wayne emotional tributes to Jamie Foxx and Mariah Carey and Kendrick Lamar’s award sweep A night of culture legacy and star power .
The 25th annual BET Awards lit up Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on June 9 2025 with a vibrant celebration of Black culture music and resilience Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart the star-studded event was a powerful blend of sharp humor emotional tributes standout performances and political statements honoring the legacy of Black entertainment over the past quarter century .
Kevin Hart Sets the Tone
Kevin Hart opened the show with his signature sharp wit making veiled references to controversies involving Sean Diddy Combs and playful jabs at Cardi B Stefon Diggs and Kanye West His monologue delivered laughs while acknowledging the complex dynamics of fame and scandal Hart also praised the strength and dominance of female hip-hop artists highlighting Megan Thee Stallion Cardi B Latto and Doechii .
Also Read : Justin Baldoni’s 400M Lawsuit Against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Dismissed by Federal Judge
Unforgettable Performances and Nostalgia
The night was packed with electric performances Artists like Lil Wayne GloRilla Teyana Taylor Playboi Carti and Leon Thomas delivered dynamic sets that energized the crowd A major highlight was a nostalgic tribute to BET’s 106 & Park reuniting beloved hosts and performers including Bow Wow Amerie B2K Jim Jones Mya and TI stirring memories of a golden era in music television .
Honoring Icons — Foxx Carey Franklin and Snoop
The BET Awards presented the Ultimate Icon Award to four influential figures .
- Jamie Foxx introduced by Stevie Wonder gave a heartfelt speech about his near fatal stroke in 2023 Overcome with emotion he thanked his daughters Corinne and Anelise for their unwavering support .
- Mariah Carey honored for the first time by BET encouraged women to be a diva be a boss She captivated the audience with a performance of her new single Type Dangerous which samples Rakim .
- Kirk Franklin and Snoop Dogg were also recognized for their cultural impact from gospel and hip-hop to entrepreneurship and philanthropy .
Doechii Uses the Spotlight for Advocacy
One of the most talked-about moments came from Doechii who won Best Female Hip-Hop Artist In a bold and emotional speech she criticized government overreach condemning immigration raids and the use of military force against protestors What type of government is that she asked drawing strong applause and reinforcing the night’s tone of activism and awareness .
Kendrick Lamar Sweeps the Night
Rapper Kendrick Lamar was the evening’s top winner taking home five awards including Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for Not Like Us His sweeping wins reflected both commercial success and artistic integrity cementing his status as a generational voice in hip-hop .
Celebrating Excellence Across Fields
Other winners included SZA and Chris Brown for Best R&B Pop Artists and Leon Thomas III as Best New Artist Chris Brown also took home Viewer’s Choice while Angel Reese and Jalen Hurts earned top honors in the sports categories .
Legacy Culture and Conscience
As the nearly five hour event drew to a close critics praised its emotional range and cultural richness From Jennifer Hudson and Ravyn Lenae’s performances to the powerful speeches the 25th BET Awards was more than a ceremony—it was a tribute to Black excellence past present and future .