2025 BET Awards: Kendrick Lamar Dominates, Jamie Foxx Emotional, and Star Moments

The 2025 BET Awards brought star power, unforgettable performances, and emotional speeches to Los Angeles, celebrating the best in music, film, and culture. As the event marked its 25th anniversary, it was an evening filled with iconic moments, including Kendrick Lamar’s major wins, Jamie Foxx’s emotional speech, and Doechii’s political comments on stage.

Kendrick Lamar continued his reign as one of hip-hop’s most celebrated artists, dominating the 2025 BET Awards with five wins, including Best Album and Best Rap Artist. Lamar’s powerful influence in the music industry has only grown over the years, and his presence at the BET Awards highlighted his cultural impact. With his unique storytelling and compelling music, Kendrick has become a central figure in modern rap.

The night was also marked by a heartfelt moment when Jamie Foxx received the Ultimate Icon Award. Foxx took the stage and emotionally thanked his daughters for supporting him through his stroke recovery. His tears were a reflection of his resilience and the support system that helped him navigate through a challenging health journey. The moment was a reminder of the strength and family bonds that often go unnoticed in the public eye.

Doechii, known for her bold and unapologetic persona, used her platform at the BET Awards to speak out about political issues, including criticism of former President Donald Trump. Her remarks centered on the administration’s handling of protests in Los Angeles, denouncing the use of military force and calling for more empathy in leadership. While Doechii was the only star to publicly take a stand, her comments sparked conversations across social media about the intersection of politics and entertainment. Music icon Mariah Carey brought the house down with an unforgettable performance at the BET Awards. Though she skipped the red carpet, Carey dazzled fans with a show-stopping performance of her new single, bringing out legendary rapper Rakim for a collaboration that had the audience on their feet. Her ability to mix classic hits with fresh material reaffirmed why she remains a global musical force.

In another notable moment, filmmaker Tyler Perry used his speech to address issues facing the Black community in Hollywood. Perry emphasized how his work has contributed to creating opportunities for Black millionaires, urging the industry to protect Black history and support future generations of artists. His words resonated with many in the audience, serving as a reminder of the ongoing fight for representation and equity in entertainment.The evening wasn’t without its drama, as Wale and Kai Cenat found themselves at odds over a public confrontation during the ceremony. Wale expressed frustration over not being recognized by Cenat, leading to a tense moment on stage. Despite the tension, both artists continued to perform and represent their respective generations, making this moment one of the more talked-about occurrences of the night. As always, the red carpet at the BET Awards was a showcase of bold fashion choices. Celebrities like Doechii, GloRilla, and others turned heads with their outfits, setting trends for the year ahead. The fashion statements made at the 2025 BET Awards were just as memorable as the performances themselves.

The 2025 BET Awards once again proved that it remains one of the most important celebrations of Black culture, entertainment, and talent. From Kendrick Lamar’s domination to Jamie Foxx’s emotional moment, the night was filled with unforgettable memories. As the event continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the incredible talent in the industry and the ongoing impact of the BET platform in showcasing Black excellence.

The BET Awards 2025 delivered on its promise of star-studded performances, powerful speeches, and moments that will be remembered for years to come.