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Like Kendrick Lamar and SZA, Carti paused his touring schedule to attend this year’s festivities. Despite taking a break from his nationwide trek with The Weeknd, Carti still had the performance bug, as he entertained the crowd with fun cuts from his chart-topping album MUSIC including “Like Weezy” and “Rather Lie.” Carti’s youthful exuberance was tailor-made for the kids who tuned in to see King Vamp in rare form.

The trio of R&B singers Daye, James and Caton honored one of music’s most revered architects with a rendition of “The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite).” Though a better song selection could have been chosen during the In Memoriam segment of the awards show, the R&B triad was soothing and complementary of each other’s talents.

Andra Day channeled the spirit of the late Roberta Flack to sing her 1973 classic “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” The heavenly tribute was a fitting honor not only for Flack, but also for all the lost ones in the hip-hop and R&B space.

Following Tyler Perry’s powerful speech uplifting the Black community, Ledisi carried the torch with her soul-stirring song “BLKWMN.” With images of legendary Black women adorning the screen, Ledisi’s commanding vocals, equally moving and reassuring, appropriately shifted the room in favor of the women in attendance.

In typical Weezy fashion, the Young Money commander pulled up with a Stanley bottle in hand during his performance of “Welcome to Tha Carter.” Though Wayne is currently in Carter VI mode, that didn’t stop him from venturing back to his classics. The mood shifted instantly, as his choir went from angelic to full-fledged demon time when Weezy clocked in the crowd favorite “A Milli.”

Mariah Carey’s 2025 has been a busy one. Following the release of her new single “Type Dangerous,” Carey blessed the stage with her debut performance of the song. Flanked by an army of sleek white-clad dancers, Carey had a brilliant cast to support her efforts. Anderson .Paak dazzled on the drums, while a dapper Rakim dished out a timely assist, rounding out Carey’s fun-filled showing.

After stepping away from music to focus on directing and acting, Teyana Taylor made a triumphant return to the stage at the BET Awards. Teasing her forthcoming album Escape Room, a re-energized Taylor glided through an electrifying R&B soundscape, flanked by a fleet of robotic dancers. Her dynamic performance signaled that her so-called retirement was anything but permanent.

Leon Thomas’ spellbinding performance of “Mutt” had the crowd howling incessantly at his lyrics. With his guitar in tow, Thomas’ theatrical finesse wowed the room, as the audience clung to every word from his infectious Hot 100 hit, further cementing his status as R&B’s newest vanguard.

After Kevin Hart saluted this current wave of female rap superstars, he set the table for Big Glo to feast and dominate the BET Awards stage. With a Michael Jackson-inspired ‘fit, Glo proceeded to her GLORIOUS heater “Let Her Cook” before tagging in Keyshia Cole for a succinct version of her new song “Typa,” which samples the singer’s 2005 classic “Love.”

Before receiving the Ultimate Icon Award, Jamie Foxx was treated to a riveting tribute led by Babyface, Ludacris, Tank and Jennifer Hudson — each honoring different chapters of his musical journey, from “Unpredictable” to Ray Charles’ “I Got a Woman.”

A visibly emotional Foxx then watched as Doug E. Fresh, Teddy Riley and T-Pain transformed “Blame It” into a symphonic masterpiece. Riley, vocoder in hand, delivered Foxx’s verse with precision before T-Pain joined in, turning the moment into a vibrant, full-circle celebration for the hall-of-fame triple threat.

To honor the legacy of BET’s iconic flagship show 106 & Park, a reunion of beloved former hosts — Terrence J, Free, Big Tigger, Julissa Bermudez and Keshia Chanté — lit up the stage in nostalgic fashion. Each host introduced a legendary 2000s superstar who once ruled the countdown era. Ashanti charmed the crowd with a sultry medley of classics, including “Foolish” and “Baby.” T.I. kept the momentum rolling with a high-powered cruise through ATL’s golden era, before the set hit a fever pitch with a showstopping performance by Mr. 106 & Park himself, Bow Wow.

Once The Doggfather completed his acceptance speech, he went into performance mode. He rallied his West Coast compatriots in Warren G and Kurupt and turned the Peacock Theater into a true function. Snoop hopscotched through various eras of his career, as he delivered “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Nuthin’ But a G Thang.” Snoop also dialed in Uncle Charlie Wilson to smoothen the ride with a drive down The Gap Band’s “Outstanding.”

The best was truly saved for last, as Kirk Franklin closed out the night with a spirit-filled curtain call. As the final Ultimate Icon honoree, Franklin took the audience straight to church, unleashing a medley of gospel anthems — from the timeless “Stomp” and “Silver & Gold” to a modern-day revival of “Revolution.” With DC Young Fly lending an energetic assist, Franklin rained down the Holy Spirit and delivered a finale that was both joyful and transcendent.