Kendrick Lamar enters BET Awards with a leading 10 nominations for the
ceremony's 25th anniversary
[May 09, 2025]
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar extends his dominant musical reign,
entering next month's BET Awards as the leading nominee.
The rap megastar earned 10 nominations Thursday, including an album of
the year for his highly-acclaimed project “GNX,” the network announced.
His ubiquitous diss track “Not Like Us,” emanating from the Drake feud,
received nominations for video of the year and viewer's choice award.
Lamar made waves with his Grammy triumph, winning song and record of the
year for “Not Like Us.” He followed up with a groundbreaking halftime
show, becoming the first solo hip-hop performer to headline the coveted
slot. He is currently on the Grand National Tour with SZA.
Doechii, Drake, Future and GloRilla tied for the second-most nominations
with six. Metro Boomin pulled in five nods, while SZA and The Weeknd
each scored four.
Who will host the show?
Kevin Hart is expected to bring the funny as host of the awards show,
celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The comedian-actor, who hosted the BET Awards in 2011, called this
year's ceremony a “black-tie affair.”
“It’s a chance to reflect, cherish and honor life’s unforgettable
moments,” Hart said in a statement. He has a history with the network,
hosting “Comic View: One Night Stand” in 2008. He was an executive
producer and one of the stars of “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and
launched adult animated comedy “Lil Kev” on BET+.
Will there be any tributes?
The BET Awards will offer tributes to former popular hosts and
performances, including the network’s once-flagship program “106 & Park.
”
"'106 & Park' was more than just a music countdown show; it was the
heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest-rated BET
programs for over a decade,” said Scott Mills, BET's president and CEO.
The weekday show launched in 2000 and lasted for more than a decade.
The show thrived with a video countdown, interviews and performances.
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Kendrick Lamar performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 59
football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia
Eagles, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, file)
 “From Freestyle Friday to
unforgettable live performances, it launched careers, influenced
fashion, and became a platform where voices, style, and sound
converged,” Mills said. "'106 & Park' both celebrated and fueled
many of the most important musical and culture evolutions that
occurred during its two-and-a-half-decade tenure.”
The show will reunite past hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa
Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J. The tribute will
feature performers such as Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I.
and Mr. 106 & Park.
When will the awards take place?
The awards will air live on June 9 from the Peacock Theater in Los
Angeles at 8 p.m. EDT.
Are there any other standout nominees?
There's a competitive list of top-notch actors looking to take home
the top award in their category.
For best actor, the category includes: Aaron Pierre, Aldis Hodge,
Anthony Mackie, Colman Domingo, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Joey
Bada$$, Kevin Hart, Sterling K. Brown and Will Smith.
For best actress, the nominees include: Andra Day, Angela Bassett,
Coco Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kerry Washington, Quinta
Brunson, Viola Davis and Zendaya.
Stephen Curry, Lebron James, Simone Biles, Angel Reese and Jalen
Hurts are among the sports stars competing for awards.
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