The 2025 BET Awards will proceed in downtown LA as planned, with star performers and major tributes despite ongoing protests and unrest.
The 2025 BET Awards are still set to light up downtown Los Angeles Monday night, even as protests and unrest continue to unfold in response to heightened federal immigration enforcement and the deployment of California National Guard troops over the weekend.
The annual celebration of Black excellence in music, entertainment, and sports will take place live from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live. The show will be broadcast live on the East Coast and air on tape delay for West Coast viewers.
Marking its milestone 25th anniversary, the BET Awards returns with major star power and a nod to its roots. The inaugural show took place in 2001 in Las Vegas with Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey as hosts. Now, a quarter-century later, Kevin Hart takes the reins as host for the 2025 event.
“For over a decade, Kevin Hart has been a beloved part of the BET family,” said Scott Mills, BET president and CEO. “His unparalleled talent, infectious energy, and deep connection to our audience make him the perfect host for this historic celebration.”
“We’re setting the tone for a night that celebrates 25 years of impact, creativity, and Black culture,” added Connie Orlando, BET’s executive vice president. “With electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in music and an iconic comedic host, BET Awards 2025 will be a can’t-miss celebration of everything the culture represents.”
Performers scheduled to hit the stage include Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas, promising a night full of energy and unforgettable music moments.
Leading this year’s nominations is Kendrick Lamar with 10 nods, followed by Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla with six each. Metro Boomin follows with five nominations, while SZA and The Weeknd are tied at four apiece. Seven artists are three-time nominees this year, including Ayra Starr, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Maverick City Music, Playboi Carti, Teddy Swims, and Tyler, the Creator.
Adding to the night’s prestige, the BET Ultimate Icon Award will be presented to four trailblazing multi-hyphenates: Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg, honoring their transformative impact across entertainment, music, advocacy, and community.
Another highlight will be a nostalgic tribute to 106 & Park, the iconic MTV music video countdown show. Former hosts Julissa Bermudez, A.J. Calloway, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, Terrence J, and Marie “Free” Wright will reunite onstage for the first time in years. The segment will also feature performances by Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I., and more — a throwback to the culture-defining moments that made 106 & Park legendary.
Despite the city’s tense climate, BET is moving forward with the ceremony as planned. Audiences can tune in to BET at 8 p.m. ET, with the preshow starting at 6 p.m.
