BET Awards 2025 Recap: A Star-Studded 25th Anniversary with Kevin Hart, 106 & Park Throwbacks, and Shocking Gospel Win

The BET Awards Turn 25: A Night to Remember

The 2025 BET Awards wasn’t just another award show—it was a celebration of 25 years of Black culture, music, and entertainment. Hosted live from Los Angeles, this year’s ceremony pulled out all the stops to honor the past, present, and future of Black excellence in entertainment.

Kevin Hart Takes the Stage as Host

Bringing his signature humor and high energy, Kevin Hart served as the night’s official host. From the very first joke to the final standing ovation, Hart kept the audience laughing and locked in. His chemistry with surprise co-hosts Free and Terrence J—a nostalgic nod to BET’s iconic show 106 & Park—made the night even more special.

Throughout the event, 106 & Park-themed segments aired between awards and performances, transporting viewers back to the golden age of BET. Seeing Free and Terrence J on stage together (not Including A.J) had fans buzzing all over social media with #106AndPark trending all night.

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Performances That Set the Stage on Fire

The 25th anniversary didn’t hold back when it came to show-stopping performances. The night kicked off with an unforgettable set from Ashanti, who performed a medley of her classic hits like “Foolish” and “Rock wit U,” backed by an all-female live band. It was the perfect way to open a show celebrating a legacy of music.

Lil Wayne later took the stage, bringing high energy and southern swagger. His set included a powerful remix of “A Milli” blended with newer tracks, proving once again why he remains a dominant force in hip hop.

Closing out the night was Kirk Franklin, who delivered a soul-shaking performance that had the entire audience on their feet. He was joined by a choir that filled the stage with light, love, and powerful gospel vocals.

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GloRilla’s Gospel Win Sparks Controversy

While Kirk Franklin’s set brought spiritual energy to the BET Awards 2025, it was the Gospel category that had everyone talking.

Rapper GloRilla shocked the crowd by winning Best Gospel Song for her unexpected track “Pray & Slide.” Although the song blended modern rap with spiritual themes, many fans were left stunned, especially considering Yolanda Adams—a true gospel legend—was nominated and didn’t take home the award.

Debates quickly sparked across Twitter, with some applauding BET for recognizing new forms of gospel, while others felt it was a major oversight of traditional gospel artists.

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A Monumental Moment for Jamie Foxx

One of the most emotional highlights of the night came during a special tribute to Jamie Foxx. The multi-talented actor, singer, and comedian received a Lifetime Resilience Award for his contributions to entertainment and his strength through recent health battles.

With his family by his side, Jamie took the stage to a standing ovation. The moment was filled with raw emotion as he thanked his loved ones and fans for their support. It was clear that despite the setbacks, Foxx remains committed to making people laugh, tell powerful stories, and uplift the culture.

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The BET Awards 2025 proved once again why it’s more than just a show—it’s a movement. From honoring legends to spotlighting new voices, it was a celebration filled with unforgettable moments and cultural conversations that will keep fans talking all summer long.

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