The 2025 BET Awards turned into an unforgettable night of nostalgia, show-stopping performances, and emotional tributes as Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin were honored with the Ultimate Icon Award.
Mariah Carey’s Glamorous Reign
The Queen of Christmas (and everything else) Mariah Carey kicked off her segment in true diva fashion, descending a golden staircase in a sequined mini dress to perform her new single “Type Dangerous” with Anderson .Paak on drums. The stage dazzled with oversized “MC” monograms as she effortlessly belted classics like “Fantasy” and “Honey.”
Busta Rhymes, who presented her award, reminisced about their iconic collab “I Know What You Want,” calling Carey a “once-in-a-lifetime talent.” Mimi, accepting her first-ever BET Award, quipped: “If you’re gonna get one, might as well start with the Ultimate Icon!”
Jamie Foxx’s Tear-Jerking Tribute
An emotional Stevie Wonder roasted Foxx before a star-studded tribute: “Just ‘cause you played a blind man doesn’t mean we’re besties!” Babyface, Ludacris, Jennifer Hudson, and Tank then delivered showstopping renditions of Foxx’s hits, from “Blame It” (with T-Pain and Doug E. Fresh) to “Georgia” from Ray.
Foxx, visibly moved, addressed his 2024 health scare: “When I saw the memoriam segment, I thought, ‘That could’ve been me.’ This second chance means everything.”
Snoop Dogg’s Legacy Speech (and Surprise Set)
Dr. Dre hilariously chronicled Snoop’s “random side quests” (from “Gin & Juice” to Martha Stewart collabs) before the Doggfather shouted out Kirk Franklin for singing at his mom’s funeral and Mariah for sending him music in jail.
“Icons ain’t about fame—it’s about who you lift up,” Snoop declared, then returned to melt the stage with “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” alongside Warren G and Charlie Wilson.
Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Revolution
T.I. praised Franklin for “merging hymns with the hood” before the gospel legend delivered a soul-stirring sermon: “I’m not perfect—that’s why this award don’t make sense… but God does.” He closed the show with D.C. Young Fly joining a fiery “Revolution” remix.
Other Highlights
-
Kendrick Lamar dominated with 10 nominations, while Drake, Doechii, and GloRilla scored six each.
-
B2K, Bow Wow, and Amerie reunited for a throwback 106 & Park tribute.
-
Lil Wayne and Leon Thomas brought the house down with surprise performances.
Final Takeaway: The night proved legends never retire—they level up.
