2025 BET Awards: Full lineup, nominees, how to watch the star-studded event

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As a proud gamer, I can’t wait for this year’s BET Awards! For decades now, these accolades have been shining a spotlight on exceptional talent across music, film, TV, and sports within our community. This time around, the show’s going live from the iconic Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 9, promising an unforgettable night celebrating the cultural milestones and game-changing moments that have defined Black entertainment for a quarter-century!

The event will showcase significant acknowledgements, such as the eagerly awaited reuniting of the renowned hosts from 106 & Park, reminiscing about the show’s influence as a symbolic landmark for many. With acts and guest appearances that blend past accolades with future aspirations, the BET Awards intend to celebrate and uphold the legacy, as well as the continuous achievements, of Black artists and innovators.

Originating as a response to the under-representation and acknowledgement of Black artists at mainstream award events, the BET Awards were established with the purpose of showcasing and celebrating Black culture and achievement on an international platform. The first event took place on June 19, 2001, at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, with comedians Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer serving as hosts.

What you need to know about the 2025 BET Awards

Ever since that time, these awards have risen to prominence as one of the most culturally impactful and highly anticipated annual gatherings in the world of entertainment.

The BET Awards have earned their iconic status by honoring artistic accomplishments and providing a potent cultural platform that amplifies Black creativity, perspectives, and narratives. Throughout its history, this show has provided memorable performances, significant tributes, and daring political statements that echo far beyond the entertainment sector.

This venue offers a unique platform that emphasizes and exults Black creativity without reservation, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie within the community. Frequently, it pays tribute to trailblazers whose influence has set the stage for future generations, thereby affirming its dual role as a celebration of the current moment and a solemn recognition of history.

This special mix of entertainment, advocacy, and cultural celebration transforms the BET Awards into something far greater than an ordinary event – it becomes a significant cultural landmark. Here you’ll find information about BET’s most prestigious evening.

Star-studded performances

2025 BET Awards lineup is creating quite the excitement among fans like me! Confirmed artists include Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas. From the hip-hop icon that is Lil Wayne to the innovative R&B artist and performance art trailblazer, Teyana Taylor, these performers span a diverse spectrum of Black music genres. I can’t wait to see them live!

The series emphasizes on highlighting both well-known figures such as GloRilla and innovative artists akin to Playboi Carti, demonstrating its dedication to presenting both established icons and up-and-coming talents. Similar to previous BET Awards, the audience can anticipate dynamic dance routines, live band performances, unexpected guest appearances, and shows that frequently serve as expressions of cultural pride or social commentary.

Kevin Hart returns as host

For the first time since 2011, Kevin Hart will once again grace the BET Awards stage as host. Renowned for his worldwide popularity and quick-witted comedy, he promises to keep viewers laughing while celebrating the 25th anniversary’s importance.

His comeback seems like a return to where it all began; back in 2011, he was already a burgeoning comedic talent, and now, more than a decade later, he’s an experienced entertainer and media tycoon. You can anticipate him to mix humorous anecdotes with poignant reflections, potentially even sharing insights on how the culture and awards have progressed over time.

Leading nominees

2021 sees Kendrick Lamar spearheading this year’s awards with a whopping ten nominations. Among these are Album of the Year for “GNX” and several recognitions for his popular hit “Not Like Us.” Kendrick Lamar’s exceptional lyrical skills and political insights have kept him at the forefront of the BET Awards, and his continued success in 2025 highlights his enduring impact and artistic prowess.

Six nominations each for Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla demonstrate a fierce competition across various genres, showcasing the growing influence of female rappers, genre blends, and innovative new talents. Consistently, these awards highlight what resonates culturally, commercially, and critically within the Black community.

106 & Park‘s 25th Anniversary Tribute

One of the heartwarming highlights of this year’s BET Awards will be a special tribute to the iconic music countdown show “106 & Park,” which was on air from 2000 to 2014. This segment promises a much-anticipated gathering of the show’s cherished hosts, including AJ Calloway, Free Marie, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J.

This tribute aims to underscore the impact the show had on shaping hip-hop and youth culture, particularly during the early 2000s. Anticipate performances from artists who were prominent during the show’s peak, such as Bow Wow, B2K, Amerie, Jim Jones, Mya, and T.I. For longtime fans, this event promises to be a joyous celebration that also reminds us of the show’s lasting cultural influence.

2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards, making it not just another awards ceremony but a grand celebration of Black cultural development over the years. This event promises dynamic performances, heartfelt tributes to history, and a renewed emphasis on legacy and influence. The aim is to acknowledge the current scene while bridging generations of artists, fans, and creators.

No matter if you’re joining for the style, the talks, or the remarkable acts, there’s no denying that the 2025 BET Awards will leave an indelible mark on entertainment lore.

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2025-05-19 15:00