Soul Train and BET Hip Hop Awards suspended indefinitely amid ratings decline and streaming shift

BET’s Awards Shift Reflects Industry-Wide Transformation

BET has confirmed that both the Soul Train Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards have been suspended indefinitely. In a new interview with Billboard, BET CEO Scott Mills explained the network’s decision, stating the awards are being “reimagined” for the current media climate.

“So for BET linear, we have suspended the Soul Train and Hip-Hop award shows,” Mills told Billboard, noting that the awards are not permanently canceled but may be shifted to a different platform in the future.

The announcement comes amid plummeting viewership for traditional TV broadcasts. Nielsen data shows that awards show ratings have dropped more than 30% since 2015, and BET has not been immune. Despite critical praise, the 2025 BET Awards saw a 50% decline in ratings from the previous year.

Viewership Collapse and Budget Constraints

Declining ratings are only one part of the story. The BET Hip Hop Awards, which once drew millions of viewers for its viral cyphers and tributes, struggled to generate buzz in 2024. That year’s show, scaled back and hosted at Drai’s Nightclub in Las Vegas, signaled major cost-cutting. Meanwhile, the Soul Train Awards, typically broadcast the weekend after Thanksgiving, quietly vanished in 2024 without public explanation.

Internally, BET faces mounting financial pressure. As part of Paramount Global, the network has been navigating corporate belt-tightening and strategic shifts. Critics have pointed to the channel’s pivot toward unscripted content and heavy Tyler Perry programming as signs of a cultural departure from its music roots.

Streaming Dominance and Format Evolution

BET’s move mirrors broader trends across the industry. According to Pew Research Center, by 2024, 85% of Americans aged 18–34 were watching more content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch than cable TV. That shift is pressuring legacy networks to rethink content distribution.

“We’re in a moment where we must meet audiences where they are,” Mills said. While he did not confirm whether the shows will move to BET+ or another streaming platform, internal sources suggest the network is exploring hybrid models, possibly integrating live performances with interactive fan voting or short-form digital content.

This wouldn’t be the first hiatus for the Soul Train Awards. In 2008, the show was shelved due to production issues and organizational changes. It later returned revamped under BET’s guidance. That precedent offers hope for a revival—but with no timeline given, some fear this time might be different.

Public Reactions: Disappointment, Frustration, and Memes

The news spread rapidly after a tweet from @RNB_RADAR went viral, racking up over 63,000 views within hours. X (formerly Twitter) users voiced everything from heartbreak to anger:

“Wait… I’m actually sad af rn… the hip hop awards was everything to me!!!!” wrote @kre__.

“Just as I suspected, BET has suspended the Soul Train Music Awards for now… It’s sad to read that this year’s BET Awards experienced a 50% dip in ratings,” added @Coolness941.

But disappointment quickly turned into broader cultural criticism:

“They’re killing our culture,” said @chasingjamal. “Politics affects every crevice of our existence.”

“That network has not evolved into anything but the Tyler Perry network,” tweeted @_ItsCourtneyyyy, echoing long-running debates about BET’s programming direction.

A few users attempted to see the silver lining. @TheImperfectLeo wrote, “Ratings matter, folks,” suggesting that the hiatus could lead to reinvention. Still, others joked about who to blame, with memes referencing Nicki Minaj beefs, political conspiracies, and even blaming BET’s own music division: “LMFAOOOOO @BETMusic,” wrote @naysianiccole.

Cultural Impact and the Future of Black Music Awards

The indefinite suspension of these two shows significantly reduces the number of major Black music honors still airing on national television. With the NAACP Image Awards and BET Awards remaining, many feel the Soul Train and Hip Hop Awards filled a crucial cultural niche by spotlighting R&B, soul, and hip-hop in ways that mainstream ceremonies like the Grammys often overlook.

Some critics argue the decision reflects a broader trend of cultural erosion and loss of gatekeeping in Black music. Others suggest it underscores how fragmented music consumption has become in the digital age. The once-unifying impact of televised awards shows is now diluted across algorithms, niche platforms, and streaming habits.

Still, all hope may not be lost. Mills emphasized that the shows aren’t permanently canceled—just paused. But as “indefinite” often becomes code for quietly shelved projects, fans and industry insiders alike remain skeptical.

What Comes Next?

Industry insiders suggest that BET may soon roll out a reimagined slate of digital-first events, possibly tied to the BET+ streaming service or integrated with social platforms like YouTube and Instagram Live. If successful, this pivot could signal a new era for music awards. In this future era, one more in tune with today’s audiences. However, with no concrete timelines or format announcements, the fate of these iconic celebrations remains uncertain. Stakeholders from fans to artists and advertisers will be watching closely to see whether this hiatus sparks innovation. Or simply marks the end of an era.

Conclusion

The indefinite suspension of the Soul Train and BET Hip Hop Awards underscores a seismic shift in how entertainment platforms engage with audiences. As linear TV loses ground to streaming and social media, legacy institutions like BET are under pressure to modernize or face irrelevance. Whether these awards return in a new format or fade quietly into the past, one thing is clear: fans still crave authentic, culturally resonant spaces to honor Black music. The challenge now lies in whether BET—or another platform—will rise to meet that demand in a way that honors the legacy while embracing the future.

Meanwhile, the fans on social media are reminiscing about the award shows. Now, the fans are preparing for the new normal. Over the past couple of decades, the fans have gotten used to seeing these award shows. For practical reasons, the network is suspending two of the most iconic award shows of the year. In recent years, social media became a huge component in these award shows. The viewers grew used to sharing all of their moments from the shows on the various platforms.

Now, the viewers are left to question when, if ever, the award shows will return.