AP PHOTOS: Highlights from The BET Awards 2025
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The BET Awards is bringing major star power — including Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, and Jamie Foxx — to celebrate its 25th anniversary on Monday.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
June 9, 2025|Updated June 9, 2025 7:30 p.m.
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BET Awards open with explosive 2000s performances — and the surprise return of these iconic hosts
The BET Awards' 25th Anniversary opened in spectacular fashion, honoring the golden era of 2000s music with a star-studded lineup of performances. The 25th anniversary of the BET Awards opened with a nostalgic and electrifying celebration, paying homage to the golden era of 2000s music. This year's ceremony, centered around Black excellence and legacy, wasted no time delivering an unforgettable showcase, launching with ten powerhouse performances from some of the most celebrated artists of the decade. The night kicked off with high-energy hits, including Keyshia Cole's 'I Should Have Cheated,' Amerie's '1 Thing,' and Mýa's 'Case of the Ex.' Rap legend T.I. followed with an explosive two-song set, performing 'Bring Em Out' and 'What You Know.' Presented as a countdown by the iconic 106 & Park hosts, the star-studded opener continued with performances from Ashanti, Jim Jones, B2K, and more—each artist bringing their signature sound and style to the stage. 106 & Park, which aired on BET from 2000 to 2014, became a cultural phenomenon and a daily staple for Black youth. More than just a music video countdown show, it was a platform where hip-hop and R&B artists connected directly with fans through interviews, live performances, and moments that shaped the culture. The tribute brought back some of the show's most memorable hosts, including the iconic Free, Terrence J, Julissa Bermudez, Rocsi Diaz, and Keshia Chanté. While A.J. Calloway, Free's original co-host, couldn't make it, the energy and nostalgia of the reunion still lit up the stage. The countdown concluded with none other than Bow Wow—a former 106 & Park host himself—closing the sequence with his beloved hit 'Like You.' Later in the evening, the celebration of Black excellence and cultural legacy will continue with a prestigious moment: the Ultimate Icon Award. This highly anticipated honor will recognize Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin for their groundbreaking contributions to music and entertainment, celebrating their lasting impact on the industry. More must-reads: At BET Awards, Tyler Perry says he's made more Black millionaires than Hollywood—and calls for protecting our history Jamie Foxx honored with BET Icon Award, delivers tearful speech on surviving near-death crisis Doechii uses BET Awards win to condemn Trump's ICE raids and support mass protests in LA
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Acclaimed Hip-Hop Star Makes Bold Political Statement at Awards Show
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Rapper Doechii condemns Trump's immigration raids, protest crackdown at BET Awards
The Brief Doechii used her BET Awards speech to condemn Trump's immigration crackdown and protest response. She questioned the use of military force against demonstrators exercising their rights. The speech comes as protests continue just blocks from the ceremony venue in Los Angeles. LOS ANGELES - Grammy-winning rapper Doechii used her first BET Awards win Sunday night to deliver a pointed message about the protests and immigration raids unfolding just outside the venue doors. After accepting the award for best female hip-hop artist at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, Doechii shifted from thanking fellow nominees to directly criticizing the Trump administration's use of federal troops and immigration enforcement. "There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order," she said. "Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?" Doechii's words received loud applause and a standing ovation from the audience. The backstory The protests in Los Angeles began after large-scale ICE raids and arrests targeting undocumented immigrants across the region. President Donald Trump responded by ordering the deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to assist with immigration enforcement and protect federal property. California officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, have condemned the move as unconstitutional and filed lawsuits arguing that the deployment was made without state approval. Some have accused the Trump administration of using military force to provoke chaos and intimidate protestors. "People are being swept up and torn from their families," Doechii continued. "I feel like it's my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people. … We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together." What they're saying Doechii's remarks quickly drew praise on social media and among attendees. While other artists have not yet spoken out during the ceremony, her speech set a sharply political tone amid what had otherwise been a celebratory night honoring the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards. Why you should care The BET Awards took place just blocks from where National Guard troops are now stationed in response to protests. As immigration enforcement actions continue, and as artists like Doechii use their platforms to amplify concerns about civil liberties, her speech underscores the growing intersection between entertainment and political activism. What's next State officials are continuing to challenge the troop deployment in court, and protests are expected to continue throughout the week. It remains to be seen whether more performers or public figures will join Doechii in publicly criticizing the federal crackdown. The Source This article is based on Associated Press coverage of the 2025 BET Awards and live footage of Doechii's acceptance speech. Context was informed by official statements from the Trump administration, California state leaders, and legal filings reviewed by the AP.
