GloRilla, Lil Wayne & more to perform at BET Awards
GloRilla, Lil Wayne and more to headline BET Awards performances
The 25th Annual BET Awards will take center stage on June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, promising a high-energy night packed with unforgettable performances, legendary tributes, and a celebration of Black excellence in entertainment.
With Kevin Hart set to host, the BET Awards continue their tradition of recognizing the achievements of Black creatives across music, film, television, and sports. This year’s show also marks a special milestone for one of BET’s most iconic programs—106 & Park, which will be honored with a nostalgic reunion and live tribute onstage.
Performance Lineup: New Generation Meets Legends
As expected, the BET Awards 2025 lineup is a bold reflection of today’s top-tier talent and tomorrow’s icons. The show will feature live performances from:
- Lil Wayne – A hip-hop pioneer with a legacy that continues to shape rap. His return to the BET stage is always a cultural moment.
- GloRilla – One of the hottest breakout stars in recent years. Her energy and unique voice make her one to watch.
- Teyana Taylor – More than a singer, Taylor is a choreographer, director, and creative force who brings full-on performance art to every appearance.
- Playboi Carti – With a cult-like fanbase and unmatched stage presence, Carti’s appearance is sure to spark a reaction.
- Leon Thomas – An artist who’s evolved from acting to music, Thomas offers a soulful, genre-blending sound that adds variety to this year’s lineup.
This mix of veteran names and rising stars keeps the show feeling both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Kendrick Lamar Dominates with 10 Nominations
No surprise here—Kendrick Lamar is leading the pack with 10 nominations. With tracks that blend activism, storytelling, and lyrical prowess, Kendrick’s ongoing dominance reaffirms his place as one of the greatest rappers of our generation.
Kendrick is nominated in major categories like Album of the Year, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, and Video of the Year, among others. His work continues to influence not only hip-hop but mainstream culture as a whole.
Not far behind him are Doechii, Future, and GloRilla, each securing six nominations. These artists represent a range of sounds—from trap and R&B to alternative hip-hop—highlighting the genre’s diversity.
106 & Park Reunion: A Cultural Homecoming
This year marks the 25th anniversary of BET’s ‘106 & Park’, and the network is celebrating in a big way.
106 & Park was more than just a countdown show. It was the heartbeat of urban music culture in the 2000s. Teenagers rushed home after school to watch music videos, see celebrity interviews, and vote for their favorite artists.
The BET Awards will feature a live tribute performance starring:
- Bow Wow – Often dubbed “Mr. 106 & Park,” Bow Wow is synonymous with the show’s peak.
- Mya – An R&B favorite who owned the charts during the 106 era.
- T.I., Amerie, B2K, and Jim Jones – Artists whose hits helped define a generation of Black music lovers.
Even more special, the original and fan-favorite hosts of the show will return, including:
- AJ & Free
- Terrence J & Rocsi Diaz
- Julissa Bermudez
- Keshia Chanté
This celebration is a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s, offering long-time fans a reason to tune in and reminisce.
Why the BET Awards Still Matter
In a landscape full of award shows, the BET Awards stand out for one powerful reason: they were created by and for Black voices.
Since launching in 2001, the show has:
- Given a platform to Black excellence
- Celebrated achievements often overlooked by mainstream award shows
- Highlighted trailblazers in music, acting, sports, and activism
Whether it was Beyoncé’s legendary performances, Prince’s lifetime achievement award, or Nipsey Hussle’s posthumous tribute, the BET Awards have provided some of the most memorable and emotional moments in awards show history.
This year, that tradition continues—with a deep commitment to both honoring the past and pushing the culture forward.
The Evolution of BET’s Influence
As media consumption habits evolve, so too has BET. From launching BET+ and streaming options to creating viral digital content, the brand is adapting while staying rooted in its original mission.
The BET Awards remain a key touchpoint for the network, uniting generations through music, fashion, and unapologetic celebration of Black culture.
It’s not just a show—it’s a cultural reset every summer.
What Makes a Great BET Awards Show?
If you’re tuning in for the first time, here are a few things you can always expect from the BET Awards:
- High-octane performances – BET is known for letting artists bring their full creativity to the stage.
- Bold fashion moments – From classic suits to daring gowns, the red carpet never disappoints.
- Tributes and recognition – The Humanitarian Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and In Memoriam segment all remind viewers of the bigger picture.
- Viral surprises – From Beyoncé’s surprise performances to onstage reunions, there’s always a moment that takes social media by storm.
How to Watch and Join the Conversation
The BET Awards will air Monday, June 9, on BET and other Paramount-affiliated platforms. If you’re on the go, you can stream the event via:
- BET.com (with cable login)
- BET+
- Paramount+
- Live TV platforms like YouTube TV or Hulu Live
Fans are encouraged to join the conversation online using the hashtag #BETAwards and by voting for Viewer’s Choice categories via the official BET website or app.
A Night for the Culture
The 2025 BET Awards aren’t just another awards show—they’re a celebration of a global culture that shapes music, fashion, and entertainment. With a lineup that bridges generations, tributes that honor the past, and nominees pushing the art form forward, the night is guaranteed to make an impact.
Whether you grew up watching 106 & Park or you’re a new fan discovering artists like GloRilla, this is one night you won’t want to miss.