The 25th annual BET Awards made a grand statement on June 9th, 2025, celebrating both a milestone anniversary and some of music’s most enduring figures. The ceremony, held at Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater and hosted by Kevin Hart, was not just a celebration of the moment but a reverent homage to decades of cultural influence, with the Ultimate Icon Award shining a spotlight on four titans: Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg.
These artists, spanning genres from pop and gospel to hip-hop and R&B, embody the evolving soundscape of Black music while continuously pushing boundaries in entertainment, advocacy, and community impact. The night was as much about reflecting on their legacies as it was about celebrating their ongoing relevance.
Mariah Carey
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Kicking off the Ultimate Icon tributes, Mariah Carey commanded the stage with the kind of regal poise she has perfected over her three-decade career. DJ D-Nice set the tone by turning the venue into “Club Mariah,” as the diva delivered a flawless performance of her new single, “Type Dangerous.” The visual spectacle, bathed in golden hues and glittering “MC” monograms, echoed her unmistakable star power.
What made Mariah Carey’s moment particularly compelling wasn’t just her vocal prowess but her candid acknowledgment that this was her first-ever BET Award. “If you’re going to get one, might as well start with the ultimate icon award!” she joked, owning her “extra-ness” with a confident charm. The warmth extended to Busta Rhymes, who recalled their collaboration with fondness, underscoring Carey’s generosity in an industry often marked by guarded relationships.
Jamie Foxx
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Jamie Foxx’s tribute was a masterclass in emotion and celebration. Stevie Wonder, with trademark wit, introduced the segment, breaking the ice with humor and admiration. The tribute unfolded like a mini-retrospective, featuring Babyface, Ludacris, Jennifer Hudson, Tank, and more, each adding layers to the narrative of Foxx’s expansive career—from his Oscar-winning performances to his musical milestones.
The highlight was undoubtedly Foxx’s visibly emotional reaction as he absorbed the homage. His acceptance speech was a heartfelt reminder of the fragility and resilience that accompany stardom. Reflecting on a recent health scare, Foxx confessed, “I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance, I’m not gonna turn down. I have so much love to give.” The icon award meant “the most because it comes from us,” he emphasized—a poignant nod to the cultural significance of recognition from one’s own community.
Snoop Dogg
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Snoop Dogg’s tribute, introduced by longtime collaborator Dr. Dre, perfectly captured the rapper’s multifaceted legacy. Dre’s playful recounting of Snoop’s career—from chart-topping hits to unexpected side ventures—reminded the audience why Snoop remains such a singular figure in music. The essence of his impact was summed up by Snoop himself: “Being an icon ain’t about fame, it’s about legacy. It’s about what you build, what you leave behind, and who you lift up along the way.”
His performance, a vibrant medley of classics like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Nuthin’ but a G’thang,” reaffirmed his status as a cultural touchstone. Snoop’s reflections on personal relationships, including his “life coach” Charlie Wilson, added a layer of humanity often missing from the larger-than-life persona.
Kirk Franklin
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Closing the night was gospel titan Kirk Franklin, whose influence transcends religious music. Praised by T.I. for “combining the hood with hymns,” Franklin’s career has been a bridge, bringing gospel’s power and message to mainstream audiences. His acceptance speech was marked by humility and self-awareness, acknowledging his imperfections both as an artist and as a man. “I’m not a perfect Christian, I’m not a perfect husband, and we all know I’m not a perfect father,” he said, before adding, “And if you’re listening to this, that’s how you know it’s God, when it don’t makes sense.”
Kirk Franklin’s spirited performance, featuring hits like “Stomp” and “Silver & Gold,” brought the ceremony to a triumphant close, reminding everyone why his voice continues to resonate across generations.
