Stars come together to support BET Awards 25th anniversary

The 2025 BET Awards started off with a bang thanks to Kevin Hart, who brought his signature humor to the stage on Monday night. He didn’t hold back, cracking jokes about everything from celebrity names to slippery afterparties. One particularly memorable quip referenced the infamous baby oil mentioned in Diddy’s legal case, setting the tone for a night full of laughter as the awards show celebrated its 25th anniversary.

But it wasn’t all jokes – Hart also took a moment to pay tribute to honorees like Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin, who received the Ultimate Icon Award for their incredible contributions to entertainment, community work, and advocacy. And while the night was filled with fun and laughter, it was also a time to recognize and celebrate the stars who make the entertainment industry shine.

The show kicked off with performances by Amerie and Jim Jones, setting the stage for an evening packed with star power. Kendrick Lamar led the pack with an impressive 10 nominations, including Album of the Year for his acclaimed project “GNX.” His track “Not Like Us,” which made waves during his feud with Drake, received nods for Video of the Year and Viewer’s Choice Award.

Other big names like Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, and GloRilla also took the stage to perform, alongside artists like Playboi Carti and Leon Thomas. And the show also paid tribute to past hosts and performances, including the beloved “106 & Park,” which was a cornerstone of Black youth culture for over a decade.

With a competitive list of nominees in various categories, including Best Actor and Best Actress, as well as honors for sports stars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James, the BET Awards promised to be a night full of excitement, entertainment, and celebration. It’s a night to honor the incredible talent and contributions of Black artists and entertainers, and Kevin Hart definitely set the tone for a memorable and entertaining evening.