BET Awards 2025: 15 Performances That Shook the Culture
For the past 25 years, the BET Awards hasn’t just celebrated the culture—it’s amplified it, centered it, and turned it all the way up. And while the wins matter, the performances are where the real magic happens.
The BET stage has always been different. It’s not about playing it safe. It’s where artists come to sweat out a wig, pour out their politics, or drop a tribute that has the whole room crying. From gospel stompers to rap cyphers, country crossovers to high-glam choreography, it’s the one night a year where every genre gets the same commandment: go big, or go home.
Here are 15 performances that didn’t just make headlines—they made history.
1. Beyoncé Debuts “Crazy in Love” (2003)
Her first solo BET Awards performance with Jay-Z signaled the start of a new dynasty. The hair was blowing, the heels were high, and the torch was officially passed.
2. Michael Jackson Honors James Brown (2003)
In a now-legendary surprise, MJ bowed to the Godfather of Soul and danced in tribute. A spiritual moment that felt like soul royalty blessing the room.
3. Mo’Nique Does Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” (2004)
One year after Bey’s debut, Mo’Nique recreated the full performance—with plus-size backup dancers and more attitude. A hilarious, high-energy moment that became an instant classic.
4. Busta Rhymes’ Super-Cypher Performance (2006)
The performance of “Touch It” brought together Missy Elliott, DMX, Rah Digga, and more—basically a rap fantasy draft on one stage.
5. Alicia Keys’ Girl Group Resurrection (2008)
Mid-performance, Alicia brought out SWV, En Vogue, and TLC. The screams? Immediate. The nostalgia? Perfectly served.
6. Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx Tribute Michael Jackson (2009)
Just days after MJ’s death, BET restructured the entire show. This tribute—raw, emotional, and unfiltered—hit like a funeral eulogy and a family reunion combined.
7. Chris Brown Breaks Down During MJ Tribute (2010)
He moonwalked, mimicked MJ’s moves, then broke into tears during “Man in the Mirror.” One of the most human, heartbreaking moments in BET history.
8. Prince Gets His Flowers (2010)
Patti LaBelle kicks off her heels. Alicia Keys climbs a piano. Janelle Monáe delivers choreography so sharp it could slice glass. The purple energy was palpable.
9. D’Angelo’s Return (2012)
After nearly a decade away from the spotlight, D’Angelo reappeared on the BET stage, sweaty, soulful, and everything fans had missed.
10. Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” (2015)
Protest theater. Chain link fences. American flags waving upside down. Kendrick turned the stage into a battlefield—and delivered bars like bullets.
11. Janet Jackson’s Icon Tribute (2015)
Ciara, Jason Derulo, and Tinashe danced through decades of Janet’s hits before she walked onstage—smiling, unbothered, and flawless.
12. Beyoncé & Kendrick Blow Up “Freedom” (2016)
Water. Fire. Braids whipping. Beyoncé and Kendrick didn’t just perform—they baptized the stage.
13. Cardi B Reveals Her Pregnancy (2021)
Mid-twerk, mid-performance, Cardi showed the world her baby bump. BET got the exclusive and the internet lost its mind.
14. Megan Thee Stallion’s Virtual “Girls in the Hood” (2020)
Filmed in the desert with Mad Max vibes, she made sure the pandemic didn't dull the performance bar.
15. Anderson .Paak & Bruno Mars Go Full Silk Sonic (2021)
Matching suits. 70s soul. Synchronized shoulder shimmies. It was pure joy—and proof that stagecraft still matters.
TL;DR:
BET isn’t just where Black music wins trophies—it’s where it takes flight. These performances didn’t just light up the stage. They lit up the culture.
Watch the BET Awards 2025 on June 9th at 8 PM on BET.
