2025 BET Awards: 25th Anniversary Edition to Light Up Los Angeles, Evokes Cultural Nostalgia
The BET Awards returns tonight for its landmark 25th anniversary, promising a vibrant celebration of Black excellence in music, film, sports, and culture.
The event is set to take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, and will feature a mix of iconic tributes, powerhouse performances, and a heartfelt nod to a quarter-century of cultural impact.
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by actor and comedian Kevin Hart, who returns after previously hosting in 2011.
The live broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/PT, with a red carpet pre-show scheduled for 6 p.m. on BET and other Paramount platforms.
As the BET Awards turns 25, the organizers have prepared an ambitious and nostalgic lineup to mark the occasion.
One of the evening’s biggest highlights will be a tribute to 106 & Park, the popular BET music countdown show that defined an era of youth culture and launched countless careers.
Former hosts including AJ Calloway, Free, Terrence J, Rocsi Diaz, Bow Wow, Julissa Bermudez, and Keshia Chanté will reunite on stage.
The musical performances for the tribute will feature early 2000s icons such as B2K, Amerie, Mya, Jim Jones, and T.I., taking fans back to a time when the show ruled afternoon television and influenced trends across the continent.
The show will also showcase some of today’s most influential and energetic performers. Artists confirmed to take the stage include Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Teyana Taylor, Leon Thomas, and Playboi Carti.
The performances are expected to span genres and generations, reflecting the diverse artistry that defines Black entertainment today.
Leading the nominations this year is Kendrick Lamar, who earned 10 nods across categories such as Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Album of the Year, and Video of the Year. Drake, Future, Doechii, and GloRilla each followed closely with six nominations.
In addition to the competitive awards, the BET Awards 2025 will confer Ultimate Icon Awards on several entertainment legends. Honorees include Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and gospel icon Kirk Franklin—recognizing not just their artistry but their decades-long influence on culture and community.
Since its debut in 2001, the BET Awards has become a premier platform for celebrating Black achievements and pushing conversations around representation and recognition in mainstream entertainment.
This year’s silver anniversary reinforces its role as both a mirror and a motor of Black creativity and pride.
The 25th edition, featuring a mix of old-school reunions and new-school energy, is expected to be one of the most memorable nights in BET history. Fans across the globe will be watching closely—not just for the awards and performances, but for the deeper celebration of identity, resilience, and legacy.
