2025 BET Awards Predictions for Music, Culture, and Icon Honors.
The 2025 BET Awards are just days away, with Kevin Hart returning as host. This year marks the 25th anniversary of BET’s iconic show 106 & Park, bringing a nostalgic vibe. Ultimate Icon awards will be presented to Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin. Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with 10, followed by Doechii, Drake, GloRilla, and Future.
Here’s who should and likely will win in the key music categories:
Album Of The Year
Nominees: Drake & Partynextdoor, Chris Brown, Doechii, Beyoncé, GloRilla, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Future & Metro Boomin
Should Win & Will Win: Kendrick Lamar — GNX
Kendrick’s surprise release and chart dominance make this an easy call.
Video Of The Year
Nominees: Key Glock, Shaboozey, Kehlani, Doechii, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti, Future & Metro Boomin
Should Win: Kendrick Lamar — “Not Like Us”
Will Win: Doechii — “Denial Is a River”
Despite Kendrick’s strong video, Doechii’s rising star and momentum put her in prime position.
Best Group
Nominees: Common & Pete Rock, Drake & Partynextdoor, Flo, Future & Metro Boomin, others
Should Win & Will Win: Drake & Partynextdoor
Their joint album’s success and hits outpace the competition.
Video Director Of The Year
Nominees: Anderson .Paak, Cole Bennett, Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar, others
Should Win & Will Win: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
They directed multiple standout videos, making them the clear favorites.
Best New Artist
Nominees: 41, Ayra Starr, BigXthaPlug, Leon Thomas, Shaboozey, others
Should Win & Will Win: Leon Thomas
His slow-burning hit “Mutt” and growing fanbase make him R&B’s next big star.
Best Collaboration
Nominees: SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar, Doechii feat. JT, Teddy Swims feat. Givēon, others
Should Win & Will Win: Kendrick Lamar & SZA — “luther”
This record’s historic chart run and popularity make it the standout collab.
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Nominees: Burna Boy, Drake, Future, Kendrick Lamar, others
Should Win & Will Win: Kendrick Lamar
Multiple hits, cultural impact, and award sweep make him the obvious choice.
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Nominees: Cardi B, Doechii, GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, others
Should Win: GloRilla
Will Win: Doechii
GloRilla’s consistency vs. Doechii’s recent rise creates a tight race, but Doechii’s momentum likely seals the deal.
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Nominees: Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Leon Thomas, The Weeknd, others
Should Win & Will Win: Leon Thomas
His unique vulnerability and growing catalog set him apart this year.
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Nominees: Ari Lennox, Ayra Starr, Kehlani, Muni Long, SZA, others
Should Win & Will Win: SZA
She continues to ride the wave from her latest releases and collaborations.
Viewer’s Choice Award
Nominees: Chris Brown, Doechii, Drake, Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar, GloRilla, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, others
Should Win: Doechii — “Denial Is a River”
Will Win: Kendrick Lamar & SZA — “luther”
While Doechii had a breakout moment, the unstoppable Kendrick and SZA duo will likely clinch this one.
