The 2025 BET Awards delivered a high-energy mix of legacy moments, powerful comebacks, and unexpected collaborations. From iconic reunions to genre-spanning performances, this year’s show didn’t just celebrate Black excellence—it raised the bar. After much debate (and replaying performances on loop), The Feature Presentation team is proud to present our official Top 5 Performances of the 2025 BET Awards.
#1 – 106 & Park Reunion: A Nostalgic Mic Drop Moment
Kicking off the countdown, BET gave fans the ultimate blast from the past with the 106 & Park reunion—and it was nothing short of iconic. Terrence J, Free, Big Tigger, Julissa Bermudez, and Keshia Chanté returned to the stage to honor the legacy of the network’s flagship countdown show. They didn’t come alone though. in fact, early 2000s superstars like Ashanti, T.I., Amerie, Jim Jones, and the one and only Bow Wow turned the set into a time machine.
Ashanti set the tone with a sultry medley of her classics, while T.I. brought ATL energy in full force. But it was Mr. 106 himself, Bow Wow, who brought the house down. This performance felt like a delicious pot of cultural gumbo—blending nostalgia, impact, and feel-good memories into one opener. A true tribute to the era that raised a generation.
#2 – Snoop Dogg’s West Coast Party Turns The Peacock Theater Out
Fresh off receiving an Ultimate Icon Award, Snoop Dogg proved exactly why he earned it. Joined by Warren G, Kurupt, and the legendary Charlie Wilson, Snoop cruised through hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Nuthin’ But a G Thang” with his signature cool and charisma.
But the standout wasn’t just the music—it was the message. The visual unity of Crips and Bloods, dancing and vibing on the same stage, delivered a powerful moment of peace and respect. From Uncle Charlie’s soulful vocals to Snoop’s unmatched command of the stage, the performance was smooth, celebratory, and iconic.
#3 – Teyana Taylor’s Triumphant Return With “Escape Room” Era Energy
After stepping away from music to focus on directing and acting, Teyana Taylor made a roaring return that silenced any doubts. Her Escape Room-themed performance was equal parts creative and commanding, with robotic dancers, armor-clad visuals, and a fresh sound that blended old-school R&B with futuristic vibes.
It was emotional, theatrical, and deeply symbolic. In doing so, Taylor is showing that she hasn’t just returned, she’s leveled up. A reminder that she’s one of the most phenomenal performers of her generation, period.
#4 – Jamie Foxx Tribute: A Full-Circle Celebration Of A Triple Threat
Before being honored as an Ultimate Icon as well, Jamie Foxx received a musical tribute that truly captured the range of his career. Led by legends like Babyface, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, and Ludacris, the performance walked us through Foxx’s journey—from Ray to Unpredictable and beyond.
Doug E. Fresh, Teddy Riley, and T-Pain took “Blame It” to symphonic heights, with Riley’s vocoder and T-Pain’s energy elevating the moment into a full-circle victory lap. It wasn’t just a tribute—it was a heartfelt thank-you to a man who’s shaped culture across music, comedy, film, and TV.
#5 – GloRilla & Keyshia Cole: Bridging Generations With Power And Purpose
One of the night’s most unexpected and emotionally rich performances came from GloRilla and Keyshia Cole. Glo hit the stage with a Michael Jackson-inspired look and fierce delivery of her track “Let Her Cook”. Then, in a perfect handoff, she welcomed Keyshia Cole, who brought depth and soul with “Typa,” a track that cleverly samples her 2005 hit “Love”.
This specific performance wasn’t just a moment—it was a message. This new wave of female rap is building on a legacy, not breaking from it. Glo and Keyshia proved that when two generations of powerhouse women collide, magic happens.
Honorable Mentions: Flowers For More Black-Excellence
The 2025 BET Awards also gave us several standout performances that, while not cracking the top five, were nothing short of unforgettable. Gospel icon Kirk Franklin closed the show with a spirit-filled medley, turning the stage into a sanctuary with timeless anthems like “Stomp” and “Revolution”. With that being said, Kirk Franklin’s Gospel finale arrived as a spiritual closing that brought joy, passion, and praise to the BET stage. With DC Young Fly adding an energetic assist, the finale was both joyful and transcendent.
Earlier in the night, Lil Wayne gave us one of the most creatively layered sets—starting with a choir-backed rendition of “Welcome to Tha Carter” before flipping the mood entirely with a firestarter performance of “A Milli,” proving once again why he’s in a league of his own. Additionally, Mariah Carey also made a splash with the debut performance of her new single “Type Dangerous”. Dressed in angelic white and backed by an all-star crew featuring Anderson .Paak on drums and Rakim delivering a slick assist, Carey reminded everyone of her effortless star power.
Leon Thomas followed with a spellbinding live take of his hit “Mutt,” tying in his guitar with the kind of raw theatrical finesse that left the crowd hanging onto every word. Nonetheless, in tribute to the late, great Quincy Jones, R&B powerhouses Lucky Daye, Luke James, and Miles Caton joined forces for a smooth rendition of “The Secret Garden,” offering a classy and soulful highlight during the In Memoriam segment.
And finally, the Rap City Cypher brought back major nostalgia as Big Tigger, Ludacris, and Kevin Hart jumped in the booth to freestyle—an unexpected but wildly entertaining nod to the culture that shaped so many careers.
The 2025 BET Awards Brought Back Nostalgia Along With A Night Full Of Music and Memories
This year’s BET Awards didn’t just hand out trophies—it made statements. Whether it was honoring the legends, spotlighting the icons of today, or bridging the gap between generations. The 2025 show proved once again why it remains one of the most culturally essential stages in music and Black entertainment. Who made your top 5? Tell us in the comments—and keep it locked to The Feature Presentation for more exclusive coverage, recaps, and performance breakdowns.
