The 2025 BET Awards delivered an emotionally charged and star-studded night filled with unforgettable performances, powerful tributes to icons like Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Jamie Foxx, bold political statements from rising stars like Doechii, and unexpected moments of humor and chaos—all celebrating 25 years of Black cultural excellence while exposing the challenges of balancing spectacle with sincerity.

The 2025 BET Awards exploded onto the scene with a chaotic blend of nostalgia, raw emotion, fashion highs and lows, and performances that spanned generations of Black entertainment.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the ceremony promised an unforgettable night—and it delivered, though not without a few stumbles.

Hosted by Kevin Hart at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the nearly five-hour show honored iconic figures, spotlighted emerging talent, and left audiences both exhilarated and exhausted.

Kevin Hart’s return as host was packed with the kind of irreverent humor only he could deliver. His opening monologue roasted everyone from Cardi B to gospel star Kirk Franklin, whose legendary stage presence was parodied with cheeky reverence.

While Hart’s jokes hit more often than they missed, some viewers felt the show leaned too heavily on skits and comedic bits that dragged, including a Walmart-themed fatherhood parody and a faux wrestling match featuring social media stars. These moments added color but extended the show’s runtime, making the pacing a point of contention.

Despite its occasional awkwardness, the night’s performances were nothing short of electric. Jennifer Hudson’s powerful vocals lit up the room, while rising stars Ravyn Lenae and Leon Thomas III dazzled with emotionally rich, technically flawless sets.

Lenae’s dreamlike performance of “Love Me Not” captured the essence of modern R&B, while Thomas’s searing guitar solo during “Mutt” earned him one of the night’s longest standing ovations.

But it was the tribute to 106 & Park that brought the house down. In celebration of the legendary music video countdown show’s 25th anniversary, former hosts like Big Tigger, Free, Julissa Bermudez, and Terrence J returned to the stage, reminding fans of the cultural phenomenon that defined an era.

A lineup of early 2000s icons—including Ashanti, Mya, Keyshia Cole, T.I., B2K, and Bow Wow—performed a medley of throwback hits. The nostalgia was thick, and the audience soaked it up.

One of the night’s biggest honors, the Ultimate Icon Award, was shared by four generational game-changers: Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin.

Carey, in a shimmering gold mini dress, descended onto the stage to perform her new single “Type Dangerous,” proving that after decades in the industry, her vocal prowess and stage presence remain untouched.

She encouraged the audience to embrace their inner diva with style and grace, reminding everyone why she remains pop royalty.

Snoop Dogg, in one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, accepted his award with an emotional tribute to his wife Shante and an update on their granddaughter, who was born prematurely earlier this year and had just been released from the NICU. His acceptance speech was a powerful reflection on legacy, family, and perseverance.

Jamie Foxx, returning to the stage after a life-threatening health crisis in 2023, was visibly moved as he thanked his daughters and shared his gratitude for a second chance at life and artistry. He was honored with a special video message from LeBron James, adding even more emotional weight to the moment.

Kirk Franklin’s acceptance was equally poignant, as he reflected on his decades-spanning influence in gospel music and beyond. His message of faith and resilience resonated deeply, particularly in a year when so many artists have faced personal and professional trials.

Kendrick Lamar dominated the awards with multiple wins, including Album of the Year, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” His victories reaffirmed his status as one of the most important voices in modern music.

Known for his layered lyrics and sharp social commentary, Lamar continues to shape the cultural landscape—not just with his music, but through his ongoing collaborations with artists and filmmakers like Dave Free, who joined him in accepting the Video Director of the Year award.

Social consciousness remained a key theme throughout the evening. Doechii, crowned Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, used her platform to call attention to the aggressive law enforcement tactics recently deployed in Los Angeles amid protests and immigration crackdowns.

Her fiery, impassioned speech earned loud applause and quickly went viral, marking her not just as a performer but a political voice of her generation.

While the night celebrated artistic excellence, the fashion on display offered its own narrative. Doechii stunned in a chic Miu Miu ensemble that blended classic glamour with bold individuality.

Keke Palmer and Jordin Sparks also earned praise for sophisticated, weather-appropriate looks. On the flip side, some stars missed the mark.

Kehlani’s outfit was criticized for being out of sync with the occasion, while Ciara’s elegant ensemble was marred by a bizarre casual cap. Snoop and his wife coordinated in bright blue—a choice that drew mixed reactions for its boldness.

The night wasn’t without missteps. The In Memoriam segment, intended as a solemn tribute, raised eyebrows when it was set to the sultry ballad “The Secret Garden”—a tonal mismatch that sparked confusion online.

Hart’s skits, while mostly entertaining, lost steam as the show wore on, and some fans took to social media to suggest that next year’s ceremony could benefit from a tighter runtime and fewer detours.

Still, the 2025 BET Awards ultimately succeeded in its mission: to celebrate the past, present, and future of Black excellence in entertainment.

From tearful tributes and breakout performances to powerful political statements and unforgettable fashion, the night was a vivid reflection of a culture that refuses to stand still. It was loud, it was long, and it was at times messy—but it was undeniably powerful.

In a year marked by transformation and tension both within and outside the entertainment world, the BET Awards reminded us that art, identity, and legacy are more than showbiz—they’re survival, expression, and revolution all at once.