STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Salt-N-Pepa & DJ Spinderella to Enter Hall of Fame as Star Power Fills 57th NAACP Image Awards Lineup

Deon Cole returns as host as Viola Davis and Colman Domingo are honored during a culture-shifting night celebrating Black excellence.

Today, the NAACP and BET revealed their star-studded lineup of “57th NAACP Image Awards” presenters, including Chase Infiniti, Delroy Lindo, NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson, Halle Bailey, Janelle James, NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell, Miles Caton, Nicole Beharie, Regé-Jean Page, Regina Hall, Ryan Coogler, Ryan Michelle Bathé, Sterling K. Brown, and the cast of Tyler Perry’s Sistas. NAACP also announced that iconic group Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella will be inducted into the esteemed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, presented by Tide, during this year’s ceremony. 

Beloved comedian, actor, and multi-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole will return as host of the “57th NAACP Image Awards” airing live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 28, at 8:00 PM ET on BET and CBS, and across Paramount networks, including, BET HER, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, PN, Pop, Smithsonian, TV Land, and VH1. 

The night will kick off LIVE at 3:00 PM PT on BET.com with “57th NAACP Image Awards” Red Carpet Live! hosted by Kyla Pratt and Terrence J. 

Previously announced “57th NAACP Image Awards” distinguished honorees include Viola Davis who will be presented with the Chairman’s Award, and Colman Domingo who will be recognized with the President’s Award

The Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations. Past inductees include The Wayans Family, New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee, Earth Wind and Fire and more. 

“As pioneers of hip-hop, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella rewrote the rules and boldly claimed space in a genre that forever changed because of their voices, style, and undeniable talent,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “Inducting them into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame is a celebration of more than an iconic career – it’s a tribute to trailblazers who opened doors, and inspired generations in a way that still resonates today.” 

“Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella have built a legacy defined by confidence, authenticity, and cultural influence,” said Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “They reshaped how women are seen and heard in music, creating space for bold self-expression and empowerment. Inducting them into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame honors a career that continues to strengthen community, elevate culture, and connect generations.” 

From Queens to global rap royalty, this year’s NAACP Hall of Fame inductees, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella, are the groundbreaking group of Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper, who forever changed the face and sound of hip-hop. Breaking barriers at every level, they became the first all-female rap group to earn platinum certification, and later the first female hip-hop group—and the first group of any genre—inducted under the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s prestigious Influence category. Their fearless lyrics, infectious energy, and unapologetic femininity paved the way for generations of women in music and beyond. 

Emerging during hip-hop’s golden era, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella brought fun, fashion, and femininity to a genre often dominated by men. With their signature confidence and “around the way” authenticity, they gave women permission to be bold, expressive, and empowered. More than three decades after breaking barriers in hip-hop, Salt-N- Pepa and DJ Spinderella’s cultural influence remains indelible. Their sold-out shows and global performances speak to a legacy that continues to inspire new generations. Over the years, they’ve received countless honors and accolades — most recently a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award (2021), a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2022), and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2025) — cementing their impact on music and culture for generations to come. Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella’s legacy is more than music — it’s empowerment, resilience, and joy. 

“57th NAACP Image Awards'' winners will be revealed during the “57th NAACP Image Awards'' telecast on Saturday, February 28 live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, on BET and will simulcast on the CBS Television Network. NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories at the “57th NAACP Image Awards” Creative Honors Thursday, February 26 and virtually on YouTube/NAACPPlus Monday, February 23-Wednesday, February 25. 

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.