Latest news with #106Park
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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
New York Times
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
5 Moments That Defined ‘106 & Park'
When Ginuwine set his mind to arriving on a stretcher for a performance of his hit song 'Pony,' BET's '106 & Park' was the only place to do it. In 2003, one of the show's two hosts at the time, Free Marie Wright, then known to viewers simply as Free, was winding her way through a standard introduction for the artist when her co-host, AJ Calloway, held a hand up to an earpiece and pulled a face of concern. 'Hey, hold on a second,' he broke in, brow furrowed. 'I just heard something happened to Ginuwine while he was doing his sound check. He was supposed to perform right now. We have to apologize. Guys, what … what happened, dog?' Moments later, Ginuwine was wheeled out to the stage on a gurney, wearing a red visor turned to the side with matching baggy pants. As the confused audience looked on, a backup dancer gave the singer one theatrical chest compression, sending him into a full body roll. A moment later, he popped up, and sprang into a snazzy performance. It was James Brown-caliber stage theater for the early aughts. 'We didn't know what was happening,' Ms. Wright, who hosted the show from 2000 to 2005, recalled last week. 'After him, everybody wanted to do all kind of crazy stuff.' The moment is one small part of the legacy of '106 & Park,' BET's signature video countdown show, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Over 14 years, the show, which was often compared to MTV's 'TRL,' became a platform for Black artists and allowed for loose-buckle performances that are hard to unstick from memory. It also provided a space for fandoms to bloom and be expressed before social media provided seemingly unfettered access to stars, on their terms. To celebrate the impact of '106 & Park,' BET is planning to include a tribute to the show during the BET Awards on Monday. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
