• BET Awards best moments included Jamie Foxx’s heartfelt tribute and emotional speech, and Mariah Carey’s stunning debut of “Type Dangerous” along with her Ultimate Icon Award acceptance.
• The show’s worst moments involved out-of-breath preshow performances by Lil’ Kim and Ying Yang Twins, which divided fans and drew criticism.
• Kevin Hart’s sharp opening monologue, joking about Diddy’s trial and Ye’s antics, added humor but also sparked conversation among viewers.

The 2025 BET Awards brought together a dazzling mix of music legends, heartfelt tributes, surprising performances, and some controversial moments that sparked lively conversations among fans and critics alike. From touching speeches to unforgettable stage moments, the show was packed with everything that makes live award ceremonies so captivating.

Jamie Foxx’s Emotional Tribute Moves Everyone

One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Jamie Foxx, honored with the Ultimate Icon Award, took to the stage. His speech struck a deep chord, revealing a man grateful for life after a terrifying health scare in 2023. Foxx opened up about how close he came to death and thanked God for a second chance, his voice breaking with emotion. His daughters Corinne Foxx and Anelise Bishop, along with his sister Deidra, stood by his side, visibly moved by his words.

Foxx admitted, “At a certain point, I’m going to stop crying, but I’m not going to stop yet,” capturing the vulnerability behind his celebrated career. The atmosphere was warm and intimate, thanks in part to the legendary Stevie Wonder who introduced Foxx’s award with a few light-hearted jokes referencing his own blindness and Foxx’s iconic role as Ray Charles in the film Ray.

The stage then became a celebration of Foxx’s musical contributions, featuring performances by Babyface, Ludacris, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh, and Teddy Riley. Each artist paid homage by performing some of Foxx’s biggest hits, turning the moment into a powerful tribute that had the crowd on its feet.

Mariah Carey Shines Bright with New Music and an Icon Award

Every time Mariah Carey steps onto a stage, it feels like a special occasion. This year was no exception. Carey kicked off her appearance by surprising the audience with the live debut of “Type Dangerous,” a song from her forthcoming album. Her voice, as always, soared effortlessly, captivating fans both old and new.

Adding to the excitement was a surprise cameo by rapper Rakim, which only intensified the energy in the room. Later, Carey returned to the stage to officially accept the Ultimate Icon Award. She made her grand entrance in a sparkling gold minidress, carefully descending a set of steps—her sky-high Louboutins demanding careful balance. Rather than relying on dance moves, she let her vocal prowess take center stage, enchanting the crowd with pure vocal gymnastics.

To close her segment, Carey treated the audience to a nostalgic performance of her 2005 hit “It’s Like That,” which was met with cheers and applause. Her presence reminded everyone why she remains an enduring force in the music industry, blending glamour with raw talent.

Preshow Performances Stir Mixed Reactions

The BET Awards 2025 also celebrated 25 years of iconic hip-hop moments by spotlighting some legendary names during the preshow. Fans were thrilled to see Lil’ Kim and the Ying Yang Twins take the stage, joined by rising star Honey Bxby. The idea was to bridge generations, showcasing both the pioneers and the newcomers of hip-hop culture.

However, not all reactions were positive. While some viewers welcomed the throwback vibes, many criticized the performances for lacking energy and breath control. Lil’ Kim’s verse on “Left Eye” and the Ying Yang Twins’ medley of hits like “Wait” and “Get Low” left some fans feeling disappointed, describing parts of the show as “hard to watch.” Despite the mixed reviews, the preshow successfully sparked conversations about the lasting influence of hip-hop legends and the challenges they face in maintaining their stage presence.

Kevin Hart’s Sharp Jabs Light Up the Opening Monologue

Comedy was a crucial part of the night, with Kevin Hart kicking off the awards with his trademark wit. Hart cleverly referenced the ongoing criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, humorously explaining why the show was airing on a Monday night—a work night when “no afterparties” should happen. His playful dig at Combs included a cheeky remark about the mogul’s famous baby oil and the revelation that the public is “learning a lot about people” these days.

Hart didn’t stop there. He threw in a jab at Kanye West, now known simply as Ye, jokingly reading a text from him claiming he was “waiting for somebody to invite him in.” Hart’s line, “Don’t do it,” referred to a bizarre theory that Ye had been turned away from the Grammys earlier this year, humorously warning the crowd to keep the rapper out of trouble.

His monologue set a lighthearted, irreverent tone for the night, balancing the emotional highs with some much-needed laughs.

Celebrating ‘106 & Park’: Nostalgia Takes Center Stage

To mark the 25th anniversary of 106 & Park, the iconic BET music video countdown show, the ceremony brought together some of the biggest stars who once made their names on the program. Past hosts, including Free and Terrence J, welcomed a lineup of performers from the early 2000s, turning back the clock for fans craving a dose of nostalgia.

Ashanti, Jim Jones, Amerie, Keyshia Cole, Mya, T.I., B2K, and Bow Wow all stepped into the spotlight, reminding the crowd why 106 & Park was a cultural touchstone. Ashanti’s smooth renditions of “Foolish” and “Rock Wit U” evoked warm memories, while Keyshia Cole’s heartfelt performance of “I Should Have Cheated” showcased her enduring vocal strength.

B2K got the audience hyped with “Bump Bump Bump,” even mentioning Diddy, who originally featured on the track. Jim Jones and T.I. brought energy with their hip-hop anthems “We Fly High” and “Bring Em Out,” while Bow Wow closed out the segment, bringing Jermaine Dupri on stage for “Fresh Azimiz.”

This celebration of past glory underscored the show’s impact on hip-hop and R\&B, bridging the past with the present in a lively tribute.

Snoop Dogg’s Return Met with Both Cheers and Criticism

Snoop Dogg, who received the Ultimate Icon Award, delivered a show-stopping eight-minute medley covering three decades of hits. From “Drop It Like It’s Hot” to “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “The Next Episode,” he had the crowd rocking alongside backup dancers and guest appearances from Charlie Wilson, Warren G, and Kurupt.

However, not everyone welcomed Snoop’s spotlight so warmly. In recent months, the rapper faced backlash after performing at the Crypto Ball celebrating President Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this year. The controversy led some fans to voice their displeasure on social media, questioning his political stance.

Snoop responded to the criticism with a new album, Iz It a Crime, where he confronted his detractors head-on. His appearance at the BET Awards showed that despite the divided opinions, he remains a key figure in music, unapologetic and confident.

Looking Ahead: What BET Awards 2025 Means for Music and Culture

This year’s BET Awards captured the complexities of today’s music scene—a mix of reverence for legendary artists, the challenges of aging performers, moments of pure joy, and underlying tensions about public figures’ choices. It reminded us that music awards are not just about celebrating hits but also about storytelling, resilience, and cultural shifts.

As the show looked back on 25 years of music history, it also hinted at the future, spotlighting new talents and reminding viewers that the conversation around art and identity is always evolving. Fans will likely continue to debate the performances and moments for weeks, but one thing is clear: the BET Awards remain a vibrant platform where emotions run high and music takes center stage.