The BET Awards 2025 are here, and they’re shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of Black excellence, music, and culture. As the 25th anniversary of this iconic awards show, this year’s event promises to deliver electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and moments that will spark conversations across social media. If you’re wondering about the date, time, and all the details surrounding the BET Awards 2025, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a deep dive into why this event is trending, what to expect, and how to tune in for what’s being called “Culture’s Biggest Night.”
When and Where to Watch the BET Awards 2025
The 25th BET Awards will air live on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, with simulcasts on MTV, MTV2, VH1, Pop, Logo, CMT, and Paramount Network. For those who love the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, the pre-show kicks off at 6 p.m. ET/PT, offering a front-row seat to the fashion, interviews, and early performances that set the tone for the evening. The event will take place at the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, a venue that has hosted the BET Awards since 2013 (except for the virtual show in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
For viewers outside the U.S., access may be limited due to licensing restrictions, but international BET channels like BET Africa or BET France might broadcast the event—check local listings closer to the date. Alternatively, services like VPN can help international fans stream the show via platforms like Hulu Live TV by bypassing regional restrictions.
Why the BET Awards 2025 Are Trending
The BET Awards have long been a cultural touchstone, celebrating Black achievements in music, film, sports, and philanthropy. This year’s 25th anniversary elevates the stakes, with fans buzzing about the star-studded lineup, nostalgic tributes, and the return of a beloved host. the event’s move to a Monday night—a departure from its traditional late-June Sunday slot—and speculation about surprise performances and viral moments.
The shift to June 9 has sparked some chatter, with users like
EricUnedited noting the change in timing and reminiscing about the awards’ dominance 20 years ago when it was a must-watch event tied to artists’ hit albums and tours. The anticipation is palpable, fueled by BET’s legacy of delivering unforgettable performances and cultural resets that resonate far beyond the night of the show.
Kevin Hart Hosts: A Night of Laughs and Energy
Comedian and actor Kevin Hart is back to host the BET Awards for the second time since 2011, and he’s promising to take the show to “a new level.” Known for his high-energy humor and quick wit, Hart is expected to bring his signature charm, roasting celebrities and delivering commentary that captures the spirit of the night. In a press release, Hart expressed his excitement: “I’m truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture’s biggest night. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it memorable.
FearedBuck sharing the official BET Awards trailer featuring Hart alongside stars like Kai Cenat, Druski, Keke Palmer, and Jamie Foxx. Expect Hart to keep the audience laughing while navigating the show’s blend of celebration and social commentary.
Performers to Watch
The BET Awards are renowned for their show-stopping performances, and 2025 is no exception. The first wave of announced performers includes hip-hop legend Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas, with more names expected to drop closer to the event. The pre-show will feature fiery performances from artists like Honey Bxby and Lil’ Kim, who will debut their single “LEFT EYE,” a reimagined take on Mobb Deep’s “Quiet Storm.”
The red carpet pre-show is also a stage for emerging talent, with artists like 803Fresh, GELO, Rob49, Spice, MOLIY, Jordan Adetunji, Laila!, Larry June with The Alchemist, TRILLIAN, Shop Boyz, and Mario performing hits that have dominated playlists. These performances, sponsored by brands like Simply Spiked and Toyota, add to the night’s vibrant energy.
A major highlight is the 25th anniversary tribute to 106 & Park, the iconic music video countdown show. Former hosts AJ Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, Terrence J, and Bow Wow will reunite on stage, joined by performances from artists like T.I., B2K, Amerie, Jim Jones, Keyshia Cole, and Mya. This nostalgic moment is sure to resonate with fans who grew up watching the show after school.
Honorees and Nominees: Celebrating Icons and Rising Stars
The BET Awards 2025 will honor four industry pioneers with the Ultimate Icon Award: Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin. These powerhouses have left an indelible mark on music, film, and culture, and their recognition underscores the awards’ commitment to celebrating legacy and impact.
On the nomination front, Kendrick Lamar leads with an impressive 10 nods, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla each earned six nominations, while Metro Boomin scored five, and SZA and The Weeknd tied with four. The Album of the Year category is stacked, featuring Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé, We Don’t Trust You by Future & Metro Boomin, and GNX by Kendrick Lamar, among others.
The Best International Act category highlights the global reach of Black music, with nominees like Rema, Uncle Waffles, and Black Sherif representing Afrobeats, amapiano, and drill. This diversity reflects the BET Awards’ role as a platform for both established and emerging voices.
The BET Experience 2025: A Week of Celebration
Leading up to the main event, the BET Experience (BETX) 2025, presented by SheaMoisture, runs from June 5 to June 8, offering four days of fan-focused events. Highlights include performances by GloRilla, Mustard, Buju Banton, The Roots, Lil’ Kim, Bone Thugs, Jagged Edge, and more. The BETX Celebrity Basketball Game, hosted by Bow Wow and coached by Offset, Matt Barnes, Flau’jae, and Ty Young, is a major draw, alongside comedy nights featuring Chris Spencer, Sheryl Underwood, and Rickey Smiley. Open casting calls for projects like Diarra From Detroit and Tyler Perry’s new series add to the excitement, giving aspiring performers a shot at stardom.
Why the BET Awards Matter
For 25 years, the BET Awards have been a cultural epicenter, celebrating Black excellence across entertainment. From Outkast’s first trophy in 2001 to Beyoncé’s record-breaking 81 nominations, the show has consistently honored trailblazers while amplifying new talent. This year’s milestone anniversary underscores its enduring impact, with fans calling it a “cultural reset” that continues to shape music, fashion, and discourse.
The awards also serve as a platform for social commentary, often addressing issues like racial justice and representation. With Kevin Hart at the helm and a lineup that spans generations, the 2025 BET Awards are poised to deliver moments that resonate deeply, from tearful acceptance speeches to performances that spark viral memes.
The BET Awards 2025 are more than an awards show—they’re a celebration of Black culture’s past, present, and future. With Kevin Hart hosting, a stacked performer lineup, and tributes to icons like Mariah Carey and Snoop Dogg, June 9 is set to be a night of laughter, music, and history-making moments. Whether you’re tuning in for Kendrick Lamar’s potential sweep, the 106 & Park reunion, or Hart’s inevitable roast of the front row, one thing’s clear: Culture’s Biggest Night is not to be missed. Set your reminders for 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, and get ready to celebrate 25 years of Black excellence.