The BET Awards 2025, hosted by comedian and actor Kevin Hart, wasn’t just a celebration but a coronation of legacy. 

During a night devoted to honoring cultural architects who’ve shaped the sound and spirit of a generation, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg were honored with the Ultimate Icon Awards. 

Each took the stage not just to receive flowers, but to deliver the kind of acceptance speeches that felt like full-circle moments—emotional, affirming, and distinctly their own.

Foxx’s award was presented by musical icon Stevie Wonder, who delivered a heartwarming introduction for his friend. 

During his acceptance speech, the Academy Award winner gave thanks to his family, friends, and fans.

“Man, we used to take this thing for granted that God is good,” he began. “All the time. I cannot even begin to express the love that I feel from everybody out there.”

The Hollywood legend tearfully opened up about the near-fatal stroke he suffered in April 2023. 

“I gotta be honest — when I saw the ‘in memoriam’ [portion of the awards show], I was like man, that could have been me. But I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance, I’m not going to turn down. I'm not going to turn down.”

Pop superstar Mariah accepted her award from longtime collaborator Busta Rhymes, who reminded viewers why she’s the blueprint.

During her acceptance speech, the singer revealed that the honor marked her first-ever BET award. 

“If you’re gonna get one, might as well start with the Ultimate Icon Award,” she quipped.

She gave love to her fellow legends before delivering a few gems of her own: “I just want to encourage everyone out there to believe in yourself, love and respect yourself. Be a diva. Be a boss. Be anything you want to be—but be iconic while you're doing it.”

Meanwhile, during his acceptance speech West Coast hip hop legend Snoop Dogg made sure to show love to all the fellow honorees.

“Mariah Carey, I always tell you this,” he began. “When I was in the county jail in 1990, ‘Vision of Love’ would come on Saturday mornings, and we would race to the TV just to see you.”

He went on to give thanks to his BET, award presenter Dr. Dre, and Warren G “for believing in me.”

Snoop added, “He believed in me before anyone else did. He was always like Don King going around pushing my music… and just being a real friend, as far as, like believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. ”

He continued, “A lot of these artists out here don't understand that when you see success, you just think it's success, but there's certain days where it's disbelief, is failure, is given up, it's all that that happens, and sometimes it takes a friend to give you that encouragement, and warranty has been always been that friend for me, so warranty, thank you for being my friend and keeping me going to this guy.” 

Snoop's final thanks went to his wife, Shante Broadus, noting that “She's always been my everything. So that's why she's on stage with me tonight.

During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Franklin thanked Gertrude, the woman who adopted him as a child: “The only time I felt love was when I sat behind the piano and wrote songs to Jesus.” He honored his wife Tammy, their children, and those who stood by him, including Rodney Hill, who he credited with saving his life and career.

“I am not perfect… which makes this award even more amazing,” he humbly concluded.