If the Grammys are where legends get coronated, then the BET Awards are where legends are born. Over the past 25 years, the BET stage has been a launchpad—giving new artists a place to show up, show out, and show the culture exactly why they belong.

From pre-stardom performances to first-ever award wins, BET has played a defining role in the rise of some of the biggest names in music. Whether it’s a breakout performance that made the timeline scream or a debut win that changed a career trajectory overnight, these are the artists whose stars began to rise the moment BET handed them a mic.

First Breakout Moment: BET Awards 2019 – Pre-show performance

Megan stormed the outdoor stage with knees strong, and bars sharper than ever. She wasn’t on the main telecast—yet—but the energy was undeniable.

First Major Moment: BET Awards 2024 – “On My Mama” Performance

Victoria had been grinding behind the scenes for years—writing for Ariana Grande, Chloe x Halle, and others. But when she hit the BET stage solo in 2024, backed by a step team and Southern swag, the world finally caught up. It was both a homecoming and a breakout all at once—and a reminder that sometimes “new artist” status is just a technicality.

Tyla

First Major Moment: BET Awards 2024 – “Water” Performance + Two Wins

By the time Tyla won both Best New Artist and Best International Act, she was already a sensation. But her performance of “Water” on the BET stage sealed her arrival. Barefoot, braided, and controlled with every movement, she gave the show one of its most replayed sets—and introduced a whole new audience to the power of amapiano.

First Major Moment: BET Awards 2013 – “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” ft. Erykah Badu

Before he was winning Pulitzers, Kendrick gave the world a taste of his lyrical power and live presence on the BET stage. Performing with Erykah Badu added a layer of cool mystique—and his later performances, including the iconic “Alright” protest set in 2015, made him a BET Awards icon in his own right.

First Major Moment: BET Awards 2010 – “All I Do Is Win” Performance + Best Female Hip Hop Artist Win

Nicki’s BET Awards journey began with big energy, even bigger wigs, and a performance that felt like the birth of a superstar. That year marked her first of seven consecutive wins for Best Female Hip Hop Artist—a reign that wouldn’t be broken until 2017. BET gave her the crown before anyone else did.

First Major Moment: BET Awards 2019 – BET Experience

In 2019, Doja hit the BET Experience stage for her first ever BET performance. And since then, let's just say, she's grown into an even bigger artist.