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Los Angeles, California, was on fire the entire week leading up to the 25th annual BET Awards—both literally and figuratively.

The entertainment industry took over the city with a full lineup of events celebrating BET’s 25-year milestone of honoring Black excellence. With the BET Experience serving as the epicenter, some of the biggest names in film, television, and music pulled up to make history.

ASCAP kicked off the weekend with a special writers’ event honoring Cardi B, while the GRAMMY Museum hosted a vibrant block party that brought music lovers together from all over the city. Glorilla and DJ Mustard headlined Fan Fest, drawing massive crowds, and performances from icons like Lil’ Kim, Jagged Edge, The Roots, and Kash Doll made the BET Experience unforgettable for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Celebrities could be seen floating through L.A. all week, making the city feel like the cultural capital of the world.

But as the lights and cameras turned on, tensions on the ground told a different story.

The week was also marked by civil unrest as ICE raids tore through Los Angeles neighborhoods, separating families and sparking outrage. Protests quickly escalated into riots in certain areas, prompting the deployment of military forces. Local residents watched as their communities were patrolled and cordoned off, intensifying already deep emotions. Several roads, interstates, and popular venues were shut down or heavily monitored. Some nearby businesses and hotels were forced to tighten security, while others temporarily closed their doors.

Yet despite the real-life turmoil unfolding outside, the show carried on.

Inside the Peacock Theater, where the BET Awards were held, the energy was unmatched—but not disconnected. Doechii, while accepting her award, took a moment to speak on the situation just blocks away from the venue. With grace and honesty, she stated:

“It’s a blessing to be celebrated here, but I can’t ignore what’s happening right outside. Families are being torn apart, and people are hurting. This moment is for them, too.”

The BET Pre-Show ignited the crowd with a high-energy throwback performance from The Shop Boyz, who reminded the world why “Party Like a Rockstar” was such a cultural anthem. Their performance was a nod to Atlanta’s longstanding influence on hip hop—and BET’s roots in showcasing Southern talent. The night continued with dancehall queen Spice taking fans straight to Jamaica, adding international flavor and island pride to the celebration.

As celebrities walked the red carpet and entered the venue, anticipation built to see who would take home this year’s top honors. The evening was packed with unforgettable performances from legendary artists. Bow Wow hit the stage solo, clarifying later that he wasn’t aware Ciara would even be in the building. T.I. took it back to his trap roots, while West Coast legend Snoop Dogg made sure L.A. felt every bit of hometown love.

One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Glorilla won Best Gospel Album—a move that sparked some backlash from traditional gospel fans. However, Glorilla addressed the criticism ahead of time in her acceptance speech with humility, saying:

“To win my first BET Award in this category is an honor. I am who I am because of God. This award means everything to me.”

 

The tribute of the night went to Jamie Foxx, who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Visibly emotional, Jamie opened up about his recent health scare. He shared how his daughter played music for him during his recovery, helping lift his spirit and reminding him of his purpose.

 

“She knew music would help me heal,” he said through tears. “It saved me once again.”

Comedian Kevin Hart hosted the night, bringing his signature humor, heart, and authenticity to the stage.

As BET celebrates 25 years of shaping Black culture, music, and entertainment, this year’s show didn’t just reflect the past—it made a bold statement about the future. In the face of political tension, social unrest, and ongoing battles for justice, BET’s presence in L.A. reminded us of the power of visibility, unity, and resilience.

Here’s to 25 more years of culture-shifting, boundary-breaking moments. BET, the culture salutes you.

Photo Credit: BET Awards 2025