The 25th annual BET Awards is pulling out all the stops for Culture’s Biggest Night. The network just announced that four entertainment powerhouses—Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg—will each receive the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award during the live broadcast on June 9 at 8pm ET/PT.
This year’s honorees span decades of groundbreaking achievements in music, entertainment, advocacy, and community impact:
- Mariah Carey, the best-selling female artist of all time, has defined generations with her vocal brilliance and songwriting prowess. From her recent celebration of the 20th anniversary of The Emancipation of Mimi to her 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles, Carey remains an icon of resilience and artistry.
- Jamie Foxx continues to captivate audiences across genres—whether in his Oscar-winning turn in Ray, his recent Netflix project Back in Action, or his work behind the scenes through Foxxhole Productions. With an Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA under his belt, Foxx’s legacy is as dynamic as his performances.
- Kirk Franklin, the 20-time Grammy-winning gospel trailblazer, has spent more than three decades reshaping gospel music. From his classic Stomp to contemporary hits, Franklin’s blend of gospel, R&B, and hip-hop has made him one of music’s most influential forces.
- Snoop Dogg—rapper, entrepreneur, and cultural icon—has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and been recognized by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People. With 21 studio albums and countless ventures, Snoop’s influence spans generations.
Previous Ultimate Icon Award recipients include Janet Jackson, Tyler Perry, and Deborah L. Lee.
Hosted by Kevin Hart, the 2025 BET Awards will also feature performances from the four honorees alongside a stacked lineup: Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas. Leading the nominations is Kendrick Lamar with ten nods, followed by Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla with six each.
The show will also pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of 106 & Park with past hosts AJ Calloway, Free Marie Wright, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J. Performers for the nostalgic segment include Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, and T.I.
BET Experience 2025 will precede the awards, running June 7-8 and promising even more surprises. Stay tuned as BET gears up for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night.