On Monday (June 9), the 2025 BET Awards celebrated their 25th anniversary, while also paying tribute to the past, present, and future of Black culture. The ceremony took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, and was hosted by Kevin Hart. In addition to the multiple awards presented and the memorable live performances, the event also honored four recipients with the BET Ultimate Icon Award, which were given to Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg. The night also celebrated the rich history of the beloved music video countdown show, 106 & Park, by bringing together past hosts of the show while also featuring a medley of live performances by artists whose careers were boosted by appearing on the show.
There were plenty of high profile live performances during the event as well, including Lil Wayne, who just dropped his highly-anticipated new album, Tha Carter VI, on Friday. Mariah Carey, who also just released new music, performed during the ceremony, as did GloRilla, Teyana Taylor, and Playboi Carti. Kendrick Lamar was the most nominated artist of the night with 10 total nods, and the Compton rapper won Album of the Year for GNX, along with a handful of other awards that Hart gave him after his acceptance speech. Doechii won Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, while SZA took home Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Leon Thomas won the coveted Best New Artist, and Chris Brown took home the Viewers Choice Award for his Grammy-nominated hit single, “Residuals.” (People)
