On June 9, 2025, the BET Awards celebrated its 25th anniversary with a live, five-hour broadcast from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Kevin Hart, the event honored achievements in music, film, television, and sports.
Kendrick Lamar won five awards, the most of the night. Doechii used her acceptance speech to address nearby government crackdowns and immigration raids. Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin received the Ultimate Icon Award for their influence in entertainment and advocacy.
The ceremony followed the same suit as previous years: performances, tributes, and direct messages on current issues.
Key Takeaways
- Kendrick Lamar won five awards, including Album of the Year, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, and Video of the Year.
- Doechii used her speech to condemn immigration raids and protest crackdowns near the venue.
- Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin were honored with the Ultimate Icon Award.
Doechii Wins Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Delivers Political Speech
Doechii won the award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, her first BET Award. In her acceptance speech, she acknowledged her fellow nominees. She then addressed immigration raids and protest crackdowns occurring near the event venue.
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” she said. She added, “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest.”
She asked the audience to consider “what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us.”
Doechii said, “People are being swept up and torn from their families.” She continued, “I feel like it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people. … We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together.”
The speech was met with applause from the audience at the Peacock Theater.
Kendrick Lamar Wins Five BET Awards
Kendrick Lamar received ten nominations and won five awards:
- Album of the Year for GNX
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
- Video of the Year for Not Like Us
- Best Collaboration for Luther with SZA
- Video Director of the Year, shared with Dave Free
Lamar won Album of the Year over Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé, 11:11 Deluxe by Chris Brown, $Ome $Exy $Ongs 4 U by Drake and PartyNextDoor, Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii, Glorious by GloRilla, Hurry Up Tomorrow by The Weeknd, and We Don’t Trust You by Future and Metro Boomin.
In an acceptance speech, Lamar said, “BET has always made sure they’re representing the culture right and always put me in the midst of the cycle of what we represent.”
He previously won Song and Record of the Year for Not Like Us at the Grammy Awards. He is currently on the Grand National Tour with SZA.
Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin Receive Ultimate Icon Awards
The Ultimate Icon Award was presented to Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin.
Jamie Foxx was introduced by Stevie Wonder. Foxx was emotional during his speech, referring to his 2023 stroke and hospitalization. In an interview with the Associated Press, he said, “The thing was almost a wrap. Every prayer counted.”
Onstage, Foxx said, “When I saw the memoriam, I was like, ‘Man, that could’ve been me.’” He added, “I don’t know why I went through what I went through. But I know my second chance — I won’t turn it down.” His two daughters and sister were in the audience.
Mariah Carey said it was her first time receiving a BET Award. She was introduced by Busta Rhymes. She said, “It took me a while, but I finally realized that life is far too short to live for anyone else’s approval, which is something I always did. I decided to own who I am.”
Snoop Dogg was introduced by Dr. Dre and appeared onstage with his wife, Shante Taylor. Dre described him as “one of the most prolific artists in hip-hop.”
Snoop said, “Hip-hop gave me a voice. It gave me a purpose. It gave me a way out and a way into homes, hearts, cultures, and countries I’d never thought I would even touch.”
He said, “Being an icon isn’t about fame. It’s about legacy. It’s about what you build, what you leave behind, and who you lift up along the way.”
He thanked Shante Taylor, saying, “She is the reason I stand firm as a rock.” He said their newborn granddaughter, who had been in intensive care since February, would soon be discharged.
He also thanked his late mother and brother, referred to as “angels.” He credited Charlie Wilson for helping save his marriage, calling him a “life coach.”
Snoop said, “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to write for you on Deep Cover and Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang… and for opening me up to the idea of others writing with me and for me.”
He ended his speech with, “Isn’t it ironic how I became an icon thanks to a bag of Chronic and a gin and tonic?”
He performed Drop It Like It’s Hot, Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang, and Beautiful with Charlie Wilson. Warren G and Kurupt joined him for Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None).
Kirk Franklin said, “I can’t even sing.” He added, “Which makes this award so amazing, because what I do really don’t make sense. If you’re listening to this, that’s when you know it’s God.”
Kevin Hart Hosts with Jokes and Tributes
Kevin Hart opened the show with jokes. He said, “There won’t be any afterparties tonight. Things could get slippery,” referring to baby oil evidence in Diddy’s criminal case.
He joked about names, including GloRilla and Snoop’s real name. He teased Kirk Franklin, saying, “When you get your award tonight, don’t come up here front twerking.” The reference was to a viral video of Franklin dancing with Jacky Clark Chisholm.
Hart added, “Don’t try to blame it on the Lord. The Lord didn’t ask for that.”
Performances and Tributes Highlight BET’s Legacy
Performers 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 show featured a tribute to 106 & Park, which aired from 2000 and lasted more than a decade. Former hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J appeared.
Performers during the tribute included Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I., and Mr. 106 & Park.
Full List of Top Winners
Here are the main winners from the night:
- Album of the Year:GNX – Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Doechii
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Video of the Year:Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
- Best Collaboration:Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown
- Viewer’s Choice Award:Residuals – Chris Brown
- Best New Artist: Leon Thomas
- Best International Act: Ayra Starr
- Best New International Act: TxC
- Best Movie:Luther: Never Too Much
- Best Actor: Denzel Washington
- Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
- Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts
- Young Stars Award: Blue Ivy Carter
- Best Gospel/Inspirational Award:Rain Down on Me – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
