The 2025 BET Awards brought the glitz and glamour to celebrate its 25th anniversary in style. The star-studded event, hosted by the hilarious Kevin Hart, was a night filled with electrifying performances, touching tributes, and unforgettable moments. From dazzling red carpet appearances to powerful acceptance speeches, here are the best, worst, and most oops moments from this year’s BET Awards.
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Busta Rhymes stole the show on the red carpet with his bling, sporting a classic black-and-white tuxedo accessorized with a stunning jeweled brooch and a massive cross sparkler. Not to mention, he added some flair with a few $100 bills peeking out of his coat pocket, truly embodying the essence of a music awards show.
Host Kevin Hart had the audience in stitches with his opening monologue, where he poked fun at various celebrities. However, his laughter reached a peak when teasing Ultimate Icon Award recipient Kirk Franklin. The banter between the two provided a light-hearted moment amidst the star-studded affair.
The BET Awards took a trip down memory lane as former 106 & Park presenters reunited to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary. The nostalgic tribute, featuring artists like Ashanti, Bow Wow, and Keyshia Cole, brought back the iconic hits of the 2000s, delighting fans with a blast from the past.
Doechii delivered a powerful acceptance speech after winning the Best Female Hip Hop Artist award, using her platform to address the ongoing protests in Los Angeles. Her poignant words resonated with the audience, urging unity and solidarity in the face of challenges, making her win even more impactful.
Rising stars Leon Thomas III and Ravyn Lenae captivated the audience with their soulful performances, showcasing their musical talents on the BET stage. The duo’s electrifying energy and undeniable charm solidified their status as artists to watch in the industry.
While the evening was filled with highs, there were also a few eyebrow-raising moments. Comedian Deon Cole’s attempt to connect with the audience through music fell flat when his co-presenter Dominique Thorne surprised him with her knowledge of ’80s hits, leading to a somewhat awkward exchange on stage.
One of the most notable moments came during the In Memoriam segment when Lucky Daye, Miles Caton, and Lucas James delivered a heartfelt performance of Quincy Jones’ “The Secret Garden.” However, the song choice and presentation raised some eyebrows, veering into a more sensual tone that seemed out of place for the occasion.
Legendary musician Stevie Wonder added a touch of humour to the show with a witty quip about editing footage before Jamie Foxx’s tribute. Wonder’s light-hearted approach set the tone for a heartfelt tribute to Foxx, who was honoured with the Ultimate Icon Award in a touching moment of celebration.
Despite the stellar lineup and emotionally charged performances, the show faced criticism for its time management, running well over its scheduled duration. While fans enjoyed the spectacle, the extended runtime left many viewers wondering if the show could have benefited from tighter pacing and fewer drawn-out segments.
In conclusion, the 2025 BET Awards delivered a night to remember, filled with standout moments, powerful messages, and unforgettable performances. From dazzling red carpet looks to heartwarming acceptance speeches, the show celebrated the best in music and entertainment while also facing some unexpected challenges along the way.