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Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kirk Franklin Receives Ultimate Icon Award, Performs Medley of Hits to Close 2025 BET Awards
Kirk Franklin closed the 2025 BET Awards by performing a medley of hits featuring Tamar Braxton, Muni Long, Jamal Roberts and Salt from Salt-N-Pepa after he received an Ultimate Icon Award. 'I never felt the love of a mother or a father,' he said during his acceptance speech when talking about being adopted. 'The only time I felt love was when I sat behind the piano and wrote songs to Jesus. People loved my songs and the more I wrote, the more people listened. Thank you to all of you that still listen. Thank you to every group, singer, musician that's been the microphone to my pain.' More from Billboard Quincy Jones Remembered by Lucky Daye, Luke James & Miles Caton With Smooth 2025 BET Awards Tribute Jamie Foxx Honored by Stevie Wonder & Reflects on Health Scare at BET Awards: 'You Can't Go Through Something Like That & Not Testify' Lil Wayne Brings 'Tha Carter' Album Series Full-Circle With 'A Milli' Performance at 2025 BET Awards He then went on to say that even though he makes gospel music that the masses have come to enjoy, that still doesn't make him more than human. 'I am not perfect,' he told the crowd. 'I fail, I sin, I am not a perfect Christian, I'm not a perfect husband, and we all know I'm not a perfect father. I'm not even a perfect artist because I can't even sing, which makes this award even more amazing, because what I really do don't make sense and if you're listening to this that's when you know it's God when it don't make sense.' Franklin then shut things down by performing some of his popular songs like 'Stomp,' 'Silver & Gold,' and 'Melodies From Heaven,' with D.C. Young Fly serving as a pastor delivering a sermon right before Franklin and his army of performers went into an energized remix of 'Revolution.' Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey and Jamie Foxx also received Ultimate Icon Awards at Monday night's show. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
7 Best Moments From the 2025 BET Awards You Didn't See on Television
Despite the unconscionable runtime and the understandably solemn energy given the anti-ICE protests, as well as the passing of Sly Stone, the 2025 BET Awards tried their best to properly commemorate its 25th anniversary at Los Angeles' Peacock Theatre on June 9. More from Billboard Sharon Osbourne Says She Removed a Band From Black Sabbath's Final Show Lineup Kirk Franklin Receives Ultimate Icon Award, Performs Medley of Hits to Close 2025 BET Awards Kendrick Lamar, SZA & Chris Brown Set Records at 2025 BET Awards To celebrate, BET put together a terrific lineup of performers, including newcomers (Leon Thomas, Ravyn Lenae, Elmiene), industry veterans (Ledisi, Mýa, T.I.) and Ultimate Icon honorees Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin. The night's most-nominated artist, Kendrick Lamar (10) took home five new trophies, including album of the year for GNX, best male hip-hop artist and video director of the year alongside Dave Free. His Grand National tour co-headliner, SZA, won best female R&B/pop artist, while several notable acts took home their first BET Awards. Shortly after shredding his way through 'Mutt,' Leon Thomas was named best new artist; GloRilla used her Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award acceptance speech to quip that this victory was her first after 13 previous nominations. Of course, the Songbird Supreme knocked the air out of the room for a split second before she revealed that her Ultimate Icon Award is the first BET Award of her 35-year career. Outside of music, 2025 Tonys host Cynthia Erivo won best actress thanks to her work in Wicked, and Denzel Washington, whose Othello was entirely passed over for Tony recognition, took home best actor. Blue Ivy Carter, who's still popping out every night of her mom's blockbuster Cowboy Carter Tour, won the YoungStars Award, marking the third BET Award of her young career. Viewers at home were treated to a nearly five-hour show (including the red carpet pre-show), but even that kind of runtime cannot capture everything that's going on. Here are the seven best 2025 BET Awards Moments you may not have seen on television. When she wasn't dazzling viewers with her futuristic live debut of her new 'Long Time' single, Teyana Taylor was enjoying a flirty night on the town with her new beau, Aaron Pierre. The Mufasa actor, who is also set to star in Teyana's forthcoming Escape Room visual album, wrapped his arms around his lady as the two took in the night's other stellar performances. Though the cameras picked up a bit of their infectious rapport early in the show, Doechii and Keke Palmer, both nominees last night (June 9), were easily the most entertaining celeb pairing of the night. There was a less buzzy atmosphere in the room this year, but those two ladies singing along with the entirety of each of their respective beings more than made up for it. As a matter of fact, Keke should cast Doechii in the next One of Them Days movie, now that a sequel is confirmed! While Ciara was introducing Teyana Taylor's performance, Taraji P. Henson sat 20 feet in the air, clutching a fiery bouquet of fake roses. The flowers were on fire throughout Ciara's entire speech, and the flames lasted until the very last word of the monologue she delivered as the first element of Taylor's set. Unsurprisingly, Henson handled her time up there like a champ; maybe she took notes from GloRilla's hanging from the ceiling during her Project 2025 Awareness speech at last year's awards. Though he's still in the middle of what's already one of the biggest hip-hop tours in history, Kendrick Lamar found his way back to his hometown of L.A. to pick up five new trophies. Lamar was not announced as a performer or presenter, and his attendance was unconfirmed even to those on the red carpet, which he opted out of. Moreover, most people weren't expecting to see him or SZA due to their Grand National tour schedule. Nonetheless, when Keke Palmer announced the winner for album of the year, and Kendrick sauntered from his seat to the stage — the Peacock Theater audience leapt to its feet. Every neck in the room craned to find the best possible angle to the easily giving the Compton MC the night's most fervent acknowledgment of a non-Ultimate Icon Award winner. Notably, when the camera picked up a little bit of SZA, several people in the crowd yelled one excited confusion — she skipped out on accepting her female R&B/pop artist award earlier in the night. During her acceptance speech for best female hip-hop artist, Doechii quickly shifted her attention from her very first BET Award to the intense LA protests against ICE happening blocks away from the Peacock Theatre. 'I do wanna address what's happening right now outside of the building,' she said. 'There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order. Trump is using military force to stop a protest. And I want y'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?' While the applause may have sounded robust at home, the energy in the room was a bit more prickly. About a third of the room gave the Grammy-winning rapper a standing ovation, another third shifted in their seats looking visibly uncomfortable, while the remaining third kept their reactions neutral. Considering the proximity of the unrest, the audience's muted response was fairly eyebrow-raising — but maybe the room was still coming down from its 106 & Park-fueled high. While Ashanti, Mýa, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Keyshia Cole, T.I. and Bow Wow shut down the stage with a sprawling tribute to 106 & Park, nearly a hundred audience members were barred from entry to their seats during the opener. Though the delayed seating was likely a matter of production protocol, the unfortunate experience didn't discriminate. It wasn't just seat-fillers and non-celebrity attendees left enjoying the performance from outside the club; Proud Family actress Kyla Pratt was among those getting crushed by the increasingly frustrated crowd. Also, streamer and Billboard cover star Kai Cenat and his crew shoved their way through the crowd, documenting the whole ordeal live on stream. Jamie Foxx's tribute — which featured Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Ludacris, T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh and Tank honoring his acting, stand-up and music careers — was easily the best of the Ultimate Icon Award recipients. While Tank's Jamie-as-Ray-Charles tribute was as funny as it was impressive, it was Jennifer Hudson's surprise appearance for 'Gold Digger' that brought every person in the room to their feet. Similar to her show-stopping 'Purple Rain' cover in memory of Prince at the 2016 BET Awards, Hudson entered the stage wailing for the rafters, the combined power of her presence and voice sending the crowd into overdrive. Tons of surprise guests popped out last night, but none were able to take to command the room like JHud did. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Snoop Dogg shares gratitude for his wife Shante as he accepts Ultimate Icon honour at 2025 BET Awards
Washington DC [US], June 10 (ANI): Famous rapper Snoop Dogg accepted an Ultimate Icon honour at the 2025 BET Awards. It celebrates "decades of groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, advocacy, and community impact," as per the press release, reported People. Snoop received the honour alongside Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin. Rapper and record producer Dr. Dre introduced his "longtime collaborator and friend" and called him "one of the most prolific artists in hip-hop." He praised Snoop's work in TV and film and said he's "one of the greatest pitchmen ever of all time," according to People. "Every time I turn on the TV, I see Snoop trying to sell something," Dr. Dre added. "He's a special individual, and I recognize that over 30 years ago, when we first met and worked together, his laidback flow, his charm, his innate charisma, along with his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his roots, is one of the reasons why I love him. He's one of the only artists I know who could go from being the poster child for making violent hip-hop music to the face of the 2024 Summer Olympics," said the rapper. Snoop paid tribute to the other three recipients of the Ultimate Icon Award. He told the crowd how much he appreciated Kirk Franklin's music and how "healing" it was for him and his mother. "I appreciate when you performed at my mother's funeral -- you've been a part of my family, and I'm so honoured to see you get that tonight. So Kirk, love you and your family," said Snoop. He then showed love and support for Foxx, whom he knew "before he had a deal." "[God] was good to you, that's why you're still here," said Snoop, referring to Foxx's near-fatal stroke in April 2023. "And I'm loving what you're doing right now with your girls. You've got queens in your life. You're gonna be alright, " reported People. Snoop then shared his gratitude for his "beautiful wife." "See, this is why I'm so rock solid," he said of Shante, 53. "This i swhy I'm able to deal with all of the things I'm able to deal with. I've got God in my life, and I've got a queen in my life." Snoop continued: "No matter what, she held me down, she hold me down, she's always been there for me. She's always been my everything. That's why she's on stage tonight. That's why she's in my life," reported People. The BET Awards are held in Los Angeles. (ANI)
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
GloRilla Goes Home With Best Gospel/Inspirational Award At 2025 BET Awards
GloRilla gave glory to God after being awarded the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/ Inspirational Award at the 2025 BET Awards. The rapper and VIBE cover star born Gloria Hallelujah Woods faced stiff competition in both more traditional artists and her fellow progressives. Her fellow nominees included Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson, Pastor Mike Jr., Fridayy, Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence, Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula, Tamela Mann, and Rapsody. Glo and her song 'Rain Down On Me' featuring Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, Chandler Moore and 2025 BET Award Icon Honoree Kirk Franklin, took home the top honor, with Glo reflecting on winning her first BET Award for Gospel after being nominated several times in Hip-Hop categories. 'It's a blessing to get the Gospel award first because I owe it all to God,' the Memphis native proclaimed during her acceptance speech. 'Shout out to Kirk Franklin. I'm not gon' lie, I was kind of scared to ask him for a feature on this song because ya'll know how I be rapping. When he said 'yes,' I was so excited, I had this song in the vault for so long.' She went on to show love to several family members and friends, making sure to God a shout-out, as well. The southern rapper spoke of her church upbringing during a conversation with Tamron Hall, telling the talk show host, 'Both my mom and dad were Christians, and we were in church all the time. If church could've been open seven days a week, we would've been there every day. I always have to put God first in whatever I do,' she added. 'I just don't let too much negativity get to me.' 'Rain Down On Me' can be found on GloRilla's debut studio album, Glorious, which she dropped in 2024. Features on the album — which VIBE deemed the best of the year — include Sexyy Red, Latto, T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Bossman Dlow, Muni Long, Fridayy, and frequent collaborator Megan Thee Stallion. Check out 'Rain On Me' below. More from Playboi Carti Pays Homage To Lil Wayne In 2025 BET Awards Performance GloRilla And Keyshia Cole Unite For "Typa" Live At 2025 BET Awards 2025 BET Awards Winners' List: Doechii, Leon Thomas, Kendrick Lamar And More
CTV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
BET Awards open with Kevin Hart poking fun at honourees and star-packed performances
Amerie performs during the BET Awards on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) LOS ANGELES — Kevin Hart kicked off the 2025 BET Awards with a flurry of jokes on Monday, poking fun at everything from celebrity names to slippery afterparties. 'There won't be any afterparties tonight. Things could get slippery,' he quipped, referencing baby oil that's been frequently mentioned in the criminal case against Diddy. Hart set the tone for a night full of humor and on a night honoring the awards show's 25th anniversary. The comedian also joked about the pronunciation of GloRilla and Snoop Dogg 's real names, drawing laughs from the crowd before turning sincere. Hart paid tribute to Jamie Foxx and teased gospel star Kirk Franklin, who — along with Snoop and Mariah Carey — was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award for his contributions to entertainment, community work, and advocacy. 'When you get your award tonight, don't come up here front twerking,' Hart said, as the crowd erupted in laughter. The jab was a nod to Franklin's viral moment when he playfully twerked on gospel legend Jacky Clark Chisholm during a live performance. 'Don't come up here poppin',' Hart added, as cameras caught Franklin bowing his head and chuckling. 'Don't try to blame it on the Lord. The Lord didn't ask for that. Put it away, Kirk.' Singer Amerie and rapper Jim Jones were the first performers of the show. The BET Awards is bringing major star power with Kendrick Lamar who leads the pack with 10 nominations, including album of the year for his critically acclaimed project 'GNX.' His ubiquitous diss track 'Not Like Us,' emanating from the Drake feud, received nominations for video of the year and viewer's choice award. The awards are airing live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Lamar made waves with his Grammy triumph, winning song and record of the year for 'Not Like Us.' He followed up with a groundbreaking halftime show, becoming the first solo hip-hop performer to headline the coveted slot. The rap megastar is currently on the Grand National Tour with SZA. Who else is nominated? Doechii, Drake, Future and GloRilla tied for the second-most nominations with six. Metro Boomin pulled in five nods, while SZA and The Weeknd each scored four. Who are the show's performers? Rap icon Lil Wayne, rapper GloRilla and singer Teyana Taylor will hit the BET Awards stage. The lineup of performers also includes rapper Playboi Carti and singer Leon Thomas. Will there be any tributes? The BET Awards will offer tributes to former popular hosts and performances, including the network's once-flagship program '106 & Park. ' ''106 & Park' was more than just a music countdown show; it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest-rated BET programs for over a decade,' said Scott Mills, BET's president and CEO. The weekday show launched in 2000 and lasted for more than a decade. The show thrived with a video countdown, interviews and performances. The show will reunite past hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J. The tribute will feature performers such as Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I. and Mr. 106 & Park. It is not yet known whether Carey, Snoop, Foxx and Franklin will receive individual tributes during the ceremony. Are there any other standout nominees? There's a competitive list of top-notch actors looking to take home the top award in their category. For best actor, the category includes: Aaron Pierre, Aldis Hodge, Anthony Mackie, Colman Domingo, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Joey Bada$$, Kevin Hart, Sterling K. Brown and Will Smith. For best actress, the nominees include: Andra Day, Angela Bassett, Coco Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kerry Washington, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis and Zendaya. Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Simone Biles, Angel Reese and Jalen Hurts are among the sports stars competing for awards. Jonathan Landrum Jr., The Associated Press
