The BET Awards hit a major milestone this year, marking their 25th anniversary with what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Black culture, music, and entertainment.
The BET Awards 2025 ceremony will air live on Monday, June 9 at 8 PM ET/PT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, featuring a pre-show starting at 6 PM.
Hosting this landmark celebration is none other than Kevin Hart, a four-time Emmy winner and long-time BET collaborator.
Hart previously hosted the awards in 2011 and has remained deeply connected to the network through projects like Comic View, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and his animated BET+ series Lil Kev.
He described the evening as a “Black‑Tie affair,” reflecting both excitement and reverence for a night destined to honor culture’s biggest moments. BET executives praised Hart’s infectious energy and stage presence, calling him the perfect voice for this historic celebration.
Who Is Performing at the BET Awards 2025?
Adding to the star power, the stage will light up with performances by acclaimed artists such as Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, and Playboi Carti.
Other performing stars include Leon Thomas, Ledisi, and Keyshia Cole.
“With electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in music and an iconic comedic host, BET Awards 2025 will be a can’t-miss celebration of everything the culture represents,” said Orlando in a press statement.
Honors and Recognition: Nominees for the BET Awards 2025
Kendrick Lamar leads the nomination board with 10 nods, including Album of the Year (GNX) and Video of the Year (“Not Like Us”).
His standout year also includes a record-breaking Super Bowl LIX halftime show and multiple Grammy wins.
Following close behind with six nominations each are musical heavyweights: Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla.
Artists like Metro Boomin (five), SZA, The Weeknd, Ayra Starr, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Playboi Carti, Teddy Swims, and Tyler, the Creator also secured multiple nominations.
This year’s awards boast strong international representation from African stars like Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Tems, Tyla, Rema, Uncle Waffles, Black Sherif, and Abigail Chams.
Honoring Legends: The Ultimate Icon Award
The prestigious BET Ultimate Icon Award, celebrating extraordinary contributions to music, film, and community, is being bestowed upon four cultural icons: Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg.
Their groundbreaking impact over decades will be honored in a series of memorable tributes and lifetime achievement segments during the ceremony.
In celebration of its 25-year legacy, the show will pay homage to BET’s influential music video countdown show 106 & Park.
A lineup of former hosts—including AJ Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J—will return to the stage. Their reunion is expected to be a nostalgic highlight, paying tribute to an era that defined Black youth culture.
The BET Awards 2025 milestone edition honors a quarter-century of uplifting Black voices and perspectives. With the ceremony supported by the BET Experience (BETX) fan festival from June 5–8—featuring concerts, panels, and basketball games—the week is expected to become a full cultural immersion.
