Unforgettable Moments
The 2025 BET Awards Highlights brought the culture together for a night of unforgettable performances, powerful speeches, and genuine laughter. As the show celebrated its 25th anniversary, the energy inside Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater was electric. Kevin Hart, returning to host after more than a decade, set the tone with his trademark humor and quick wit. Throughout the evening, the event honored legends, spotlighted rising stars, and reflected the pulse of hip hop and R&B. For those who missed the live broadcast, here are the top five moments that defined the BET Awards 2025 Highlights and left fans buzzing long after the final curtain fell.
Comedy That Connected Generations
When Kevin Hart took the stage, it was clear the BET Awards had found their forever host. He wasted no time, launching into a monologue packed with sharp jokes and playful jabs. Hart’s comedic style brought the room together, calling out celebrities by their real names and keeping everyone—from GloRilla to Snoop Dogg—in stitches. For example, he singled out Lil Wayne by his birth name, Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr., sparking laughter throughout the crowd. Hart’s humor was inclusive, poking fun at everyone, including Ye and Playboi Carti, making the atmosphere feel like a family reunion with a twist. His performance reminded viewers why laughter remains a vital part of the BET Awards 2025 Highlights, bridging generations and genres with every punchline.
Using the Spotlight for Solidarity
As the night unfolded, the BET Awards 2025 Highlights took on a deeper resonance during Doechii’s acceptance speech for Best Female Hip Hop Artist. The ceremony occurred amid city-wide protests in Los Angeles, sparked by immigration raids and a heavy National Guard presence. Doechii used her platform to address these urgent issues, standing in solidarity with Black and Latino communities facing displacement and fear. She spoke passionately about the importance of using her voice for the oppressed, urging the audience to consider the kind of government that deploys military force against peaceful protestors. Her words struck a chord, reminding everyone that music and activism often walk hand in hand. This moment elevated the BET Awards 2025 Highlights, turning the spotlight into a beacon for change.
A Masterclass in Hip Hop Legacy
No BET Awards 2025 Highlights list would be complete without Lil Wayne’s electrifying performance. The New Orleans legend delivered a medley from his iconic Tha Carter series, beginning with a choir member reciting the interlude from “King Carter.” The energy surged as Wayne launched into “Welcome to Tha Carter,” and fans erupted when he closed with the classic hit “A Milli.” This performance was more than just a setlist; it was a celebration of Wayne’s enduring influence on hip hop. Each track reminded the audience why he remains a fixture at the BET Awards, and his presence underscored the event’s commitment to honoring both history and innovation in music.
Humor and Humility on Center Stage
Kendrick Lamar entered the night as the most-nominated artist, and he did not disappoint. Winning Album of the Year for “GNX,” Lamar delivered an acceptance speech that balanced gratitude with humor. He playfully called out SZA in the crowd, inviting her to join their ongoing tour, and tried to make a quick exit. However, Kevin Hart wasn’t finished with him yet. In a hilarious twist, Hart kept handing Lamar more trophies—presumably for Best Collaboration, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and more—turning the moment into a comedic highlight. This exchange captured the playful spirit of the BET Awards 2025 Highlights, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual respect within the hip hop community. Watch Kendrick Lamar’s trophy moment here: Kendrick Lamar’s Trophy Moment.
GloRilla and Keyshia Cole: A Generational Mash-Up That Stole the Show
The final entry in the BET Awards 2025 Highlights belongs to GloRilla, who delivered one of the night’s most talked-about performances. Dressed in a bold suit, she surprised the audience by bringing out R&B powerhouse Keyshia Cole for a special mash-up. Together, they blended Cole’s classic “Love” with GloRilla’s hit “Typa,” creating a seamless bridge between R&B tradition and hip hop’s new wave. The crowd erupted as the two artists shared the stage, symbolizing a passing of the torch from one generation to the next. This performance was more than a duet; it was a celebration of collaboration, legacy, and the power of live music. Watch GloRilla and Keyshia Cole’s performance here: GloRilla and Keyshia Cole Performance.
A Night to Remember
The BET Awards 2025 Highlights captured the essence of a culture that constantly evolves yet honors its roots. From Kevin Hart’s comedic genius to Doechii’s stirring call for justice, from Lil Wayne’s legendary medley to Kendrick Lamar’s trophy-laden moment, and finally, to GloRilla’s unforgettable mash-up with Keyshia Cole, each moment contributed to a tapestry of music, activism, and celebration. The event was not just a showcase of talent but a testament to the resilience and creativity of the hip hop and R&B communities.
As fans and artists left the Peacock Theater, the echoes of the BET Awards 2025 Highlights lingered. The performances, speeches, and surprises will be remembered for years, inspiring future generations to keep pushing boundaries and using their platforms for good. The BET Awards once again proved why it remains the culture’s biggest night, uniting legends and newcomers in a shared celebration of music, identity, and progress.
