The BET Awards are back for another year of celebrating some of the hottest artists, producers, writers, and other celebs in music, sports, philanthropy, and more! Here’s a rundown of the 2025 show, from stand-out nominees to who is taking the stage.
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When Will The BET Awards Take Place?
The awards will air live on June 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. EDT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Who Will Host The Show?
Kevin Hart is expected to bring the funny as host of the awards show, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The comedian-actor, who hosted the BET Awards in 2011, called this year’s ceremony a “black-tie affair.” In a statement, Hart said, “It’s a chance to reflect, cherish, and honor life’s unforgettable moments.” Kevin has a history with the network, hosting ‘Comic View: One Night Stand’ in 2008. He was an executive producer and one of the stars of ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’ and launched the adult animated comedy ‘Lil Kev’ on BET+.
Who Will Perform At The BET Awards 2025?
Rap icon Lil Wayne, rapper GloRilla, and singer Teyana Taylor will hit the BET Awards stage.
On Thursday (May 22), the network revealed the first lineup of performers, which also includes rapper Playboi Carti and singer Leon Thomas.
Will There Be Any Tributes?
The BET Awards will honor former popular hosts and performers, including the network’s once-flagship program, ‘106 & Park.’ The weekday show launched in 2000 and lasted for more than a decade. It thrived using a video countdown, interviews, and performances.
“‘106 & Park’ was more than just a music countdown show; it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest-rated BET programs for over a decade,” Scott Mills, BET’s president and CEO, said. From Freestyle Friday to unforgettable live performances, it launched careers, influenced fashion, and became a platform where voices, style, and sound converged.”
Mills added that: “‘106 & Park’ both celebrated and fueled many of the most important musical and culture evolutions that occurred during its two-and-a-half-decade tenure.”
This year’s BET Awards will reunite past hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J. The tribute will feature performers such as Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I., and Mr. 106 & Park.
Another One! Kendrick Lamar Dominates Nominations
This year, Kendrick Lamar is extending his dominant musical reign! He’s the leading nominee for next month’s BET Awards. The rap megastar earned 10 nominations in early May, including for ‘Album of the Year’ for his highly acclaimed project, ‘GNX.’ His viral diss track ‘Not Like Us,’ which aimed at Drake, received nominations for ‘Video of the Year’ and ‘Viewer’s Choice Award.’
K. Dot made waves with his Grammy triumph, winning song and record of the year for ‘Not Like Us.’ He followed up with a groundbreaking Super Bowl halftime show, becoming the first solo hip-hop performer to headline. He is currently on the ‘Grand National Tour’ with SZA.
Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla tied for the second-most nominations with six. Metro Boomin pulled in five nods, while SZA and The Weeknd each scored four.
Any Other Standout Bet Awards’ Nominees?
There’s a competitive list of iconic actors looking to take home the top award in their category.
For best actor, the category includes: Aaron Pierre, Aldis Hodge, Anthony Mackie, Colman Domingo, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Joey Bada$$, Kevin Hart, Sterling K. Brown and Will Smith. For best actress, the nominees include: Andra Day, Angela Bassett, Coco Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kerry Washington, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis and Zendaya.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry, Lebron James, Simone Biles, Angel Reese, and Jalen Hurts are among the sports stars competing for awards.
For a full breakdown of nominations, click HERE.
Associated Press Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. contributed to this report.
