BET Awards 2025:What to Expect ( Or Hope to See )

The BET Awards is pulling up this weekend, and the timelines are already loading up with predictions, shade, and half-baked outfit theories. If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that the culture shows out—whether we feel fully seen or not.

Here’s what we know, what we’re watching, and what might just leave us screaming at the TV (in a good way... hopefully).

 The Energy: Reclaiming the Crown, No Apologies

2024 reminded folks what happens when Black artists stop playing nice and start playing for legacy. This year’s BET Awards isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about honoring the ones who really carry weight. We’re not “bringing real back”—we been the real. Now the spotlight is just catching up.

Think...new industry plants are everywhere, but the people are craving substance. This is the year where true artistry and intentional storytelling need to shine. No gimmicks, just greatness.

Who We Think Is Popping Out

• Doja Cat: Like her or not, she stays disruptive. If she hits the stage, expect something performance art-level strange—but iconic.

• Lola Brooke: Small in stature, big in energy. If she brings the Brooklyn grit and leaves the over-branding at home, she could give one of the most authentic rap sets of the night.

• Janelle Monáe: She’s overdue for a mainstage moment. Their latest project was sensual, spiritual, and bold. The visuals alone could shift the whole vibe of the night.

• Coco Jones: Been serving vocals and healing girl energy all year. If she performs “ICU” or surprises us with new music, we might actually see some R&B respect for once.

Awards + Snubs We’re Watching Closely

• Album of the Year: Could be a tight race between J. Cole, Victoria Monét, and Megan Thee Stallion’s surprise drop. We’ll be watching who gets passed over again and who finally gets their due.

• Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Eyes on Megan, Doja, and GloRilla, who’s been staying consistent with raw energy and unapologetic bars. If we’re keeping it real, her name should be louder in the conversation by now.

• Best Actress: Zendaya might sweep again, but we’re also watching for names like Dominique Fishback or even Ayo Edebiri to pop up and surprise us.

Fashion Forecast: Afro-Future x Hood Glamour

BET red carpet looks can be hit or meme-worthy—but we’re hoping 2025 brings:

• Futuristic textures meets cultural callbacks

• Chrome, bronze, and braided armor looks

• Custom grills, goddess locs, waist beads, and bold beauty moments

• Statement jewelry that talks back

Basically, the ancestors + cyberpunk + block party. Let’s go.

 What BET Needs to Get Right

• Stop making everything feel like a TikTok recap. Let the moments breathe.

• Honor the Black creatives moving culture outside the machine—not just the ones with label backing.

• More space for healing art, live instrumentation, and performance storytelling. Not just club tracks.

Wildcard: Will Kendrick Pop Out?

Nobody’s confirmed it—but if Kendrick Lamar pulls up? History might happen again. The Super Bowl already reminded folks of his power, but a BET stage hit—right now, after all the lyrical smoke? That’s not music—that’s a ritual in 808s. If we see him in the wings, just know... the culture is about to shift, again.

👀 Final Thoughts

The BET Awards 2025 has the potential to remind the world that Black artistry isn’t a genre or a trend—it’s the foundation. We don’t need bells and whistles. Just give us excellence, unfiltered. We’ll take it from there.

What are you hoping to see at this year’s show? Drop your dream performances, predictions, or petty award snubs in the comments. We’ll be watching—fully present and ready to side-eye with love.