The BET Awards have honed Black excellence across music, film, television, and sports. This year's event, airing live on June 9 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, promises to be a grand celebration of the cultural achievements and influential moments that have shaped the Black entertainment landscape over the past quarter-century.
The ceremony will feature special tributes, including a highly anticipated reunion of the iconic 106 & Park hosts, reflecting on the show's impact as a cultural touchstone for a generation. With performances and appearances that pay homage to the past while looking forward to the future, the BET Awards aim to honor Black artists' and creators' legacy and ongoing contributions.
Created in response to Black artists' lack of representation and recognition at mainstream award shows, the BET Awards aimed to spotlight Black culture and excellence on a global stage. The inaugural ceremony was held on June 19, 2001, at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas and was hosted by comedians Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer.
What you need to know about the 2025 BET Awards
Since then, the awards have become one of the most prominent and culturally significant annual events in the entertainment industry.
The BET Awards have become iconic because they celebrate artistic achievement and serve as a powerful cultural moment that amplifies Black voices, talent, and stories. Over the years, the show has delivered unforgettable performances, historic tributes, and bold political statements that resonate far beyond the entertainment industry.
It provides a rare space where Black creativity is centered and unapologetically celebrated, inspiring pride and unity within the community. The event also often honors legends whose contributions have paved the way for future generations, reinforcing its role as both a celebration of the present and a reverent acknowledgment of the past.
This unique blend of entertainment, activism, and cultural affirmation makes the BET Awards more than just a show—it's a cultural institution. Here are the details about BET's biggest night.
Star-studded performances
The lineup of performers for the 2025 BET Awards is already drawing significant buzz. Among the artists confirmed to take the stage are Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas. These performers represent a wide range of styles and sounds within Black music, from Wayne's legendary status in hip-hop to Taylor's visionary work in R&B and performance art.
Rising stars like GloRilla and genre-pushing artists like Playboi Carti reflect the show's commitment to showcasing established icons and emerging voices. As with past BET Awards, viewers can expect bold choreography, live band arrangements, surprise guest appearances, and performances that often double as statements of cultural pride or social commentary.
Kevin Hart returns as host
Kevin Hart returns to host the BET Awards for the first time since 2011, bringing his signature comedic flair and magnetic charisma to the big stage. Known for his global appeal and sharp observational humor, Hart is expected to keep the audience entertained while acknowledging the significance of the 25th anniversary.
His return feels full-circle; when he first hosted in 2011, he was already a rising comedic force, and now, over a decade later, he’s a seasoned entertainer and media mogul. Expect him to blend lighthearted comedy with heartfelt moments, possibly even offering commentary on how the culture and the awards have evolved.
Leading nominees
This year’s awards are led by Kendrick Lamar, who has secured 10 nominations, including Album of the Year for GNX, and multiple nods for his chart-topping track "Not Like Us." Kendrick’s lyrical mastery and political commentary have made him a mainstay at the BET Awards, and his 2025 dominance is a testament to his sustained relevance and artistry.
Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla also lead the pack with six nominations, indicating a competitive field across genres. The nominations reflect the continued rise of female rappers, genre hybrids, and new voices pushing creative boundaries. As always, the awards reflect what’s resonating within the Black community culturally, commercially, and critically.
106 & Park's 25th Anniversary Tribute
In one of the evening’s most nostalgic segments, the BET Awards will pay homage to the groundbreaking music countdown show 106 & Park, originally aired from 2000 to 2014. The segment will feature a long-awaited reunion of the show’s beloved hosts: AJ Calloway, Free Marie, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J.
This tribute is expected to highlight the show's role in shaping hip-hop and youth culture, especially in the early 2000s. Fans can look forward to performances by artists closely associated with the show’s heyday, including Bow Wow, B2K, Amerie, Jim Jones, Mya, and T.I. For longtime fans, this moment will serve as both a celebration and a reminder of the show’s cultural legacy.
As the BET Awards celebrates its 25th anniversary, the 2025 edition is positioned to be more than just an awards show—it’s a full-scale celebration of Black cultural evolution. With dynamic performances, historic tributes, and a renewed focus on legacy and impact, this year’s show will honor the present and connect generations of artists, fans, and creators.
Whether you're tuning in for the fashion, the speeches, or the unforgettable performances, one thing is sure: the 2025 BET Awards will be a defining moment in entertainment history.