Mariah Carey knows how to make an entrance, and at the 2025 BET Awards, she did exactly that.

To kick off her performance of “Type Dangerous,” the first single from her upcoming 16th studio album, the icon stepped on stage in a mini dress that was all about high-impact glamour. The gold-toned piece featured a sculpted bodice that hugged her torso, an asymmetric hemline that added a playful edge, and subtle pleating that gave the skirt a soft swish as she moved. Her jewellery game was equally strong. Massive hoop earrings, a bold stack of glittering silver bracelets, and chunky platform heels in a matching gold finish.

But she wasn’t done. When she returned to accept the BET Ultimate Icon Award, she switched into full diva mode with a second outfit that was nothing short of show-stopping. The gown was floor-length and silver, with a body-hugging corset top that framed her silhouette and a softly flared skirt that moved like liquid under the lights. The visible boning on the bodice gave a vintage-lingerie feel, while the sweetheart neckline added just the right touch of softness. She layered on a sparkling diamond necklace with a grand gemstone and kept the bracelets from earlier, giving her look a sense of continuity with a whole new level of elegance.

Sharing the stage with fellow honourees Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin, Carey accepted her award with warmth and gratitude, looking every bit the icon she is in two unforgettable outfits.

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The post Mariah Carey Served High-Drama Fashion in Back-to-Back BET Awards Looks appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ayra Starr just made BET Awards history!

The Nigerian music queen picked up the Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards in LA, becoming the first Nigerian woman to ever win the award. Held at the Peacock Theatre and hosted by Kevin Hart, the night had all the glitz and glam, but Ayra’s win had heart.

She was up against some serious international competition, big names from South Africa, the UK, Brazil, France, and even her fellow Afrobeats star Rema, but she came out on top. And even though she was nominated for two more awards (Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best New Artist), this moment was more than enough to make her night.

Ayra’s win puts her in the same circle as some of Nigeria’s most legendary stars: Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.

Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar dominated the rest of the show, taking home four awards, including Album of the Year for “GNX.”

See the full list of winners below

Album of the Year

$ome $exy $ongs 4 U — Drake & Partynextdoor
11:11 Deluxe — Chris Brown
Alligator Bites Never Heal — Doechii
Cowboy Carter — Beyoncé
Glorious — GloRilla
WINNER: GNX — Kendrick Lamar
Hurry Up Tomorrow — The Weeknd
We Don’t Trust You — Future & Metro Boomin

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

Ari Lennox
Ayra Starr
Coco Jones
Kehlani
Muni Long
Summer Walker
WINNER: SZA
Victoria Monét

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Bruno Mars
WINNER: Chris Brown
Drake
Fridayy
Leon Thomas
Teddy Swims
The Weeknd
Usher

Best Group

41
Common & Pete Rock
Drake & Partynextdoor
Flo
WINNER: Future & Metro Boomin
Jacquees & Dej Loaf
Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
Maverick City Music

Best Collaboration

“30 For 30” — SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Alter Ego” — Doechii feat. JT
“Are You Even Real” — Teddy Swims feat. Givēon
“Beckham” — Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ Swervo
Bless — Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
“Like That” — Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
WINNER: “Luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“Sticky” — Tyler, The Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
“Timeless” — The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Cardi B
WINNER: Doechii
Doja Cat
GloRilla
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Rapsody
Sexyy Red

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

BigXthaPlug
Bossman DLow
Burna Boy
Drake
Future
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar
Key Glock
Lil Wayne
Tyler, The Creator

Video of the Year

“3AM in Tokeyo” — Key Glock
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” — Shaboozey
“After Hours” — Kehlani
“Denial Is a River” — Doechii
“Family Matters” — Drake
WINNER: “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar
“Timeless” — The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
“Type Shit” — Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti

Video Director of the Year

Anderson .Paak
B Pace Productions & Jacquees
Benny Boom
Cactus Jack
Cole Bennett
WINNER: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Dave Meyers
Foggieraw
Tyler, The Creator

Best New Artist

41
Ayra Starr
BigXthaPlug
BossMan Dlow
Dee Billz
WINNER: Leon Thomas
October London
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

“A God (There Is)” — Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson
“Amen” — Pastor Mike Jr.
“Better Days” — Fridayy
“Church Doors” — Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence (Terry Hunter Remix)
“Constant” — Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula
“Deserve to Win” — Tamela Mann
“Faith” — Rapsody
WINNER: “Rain Down on Me” — GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music

Viewer’s Choice Award

WINNER: “Residuals” — Chris Brown
“Denial Is a River” — Doechii
“Nokia” — Drake
“Like That” — Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
“TGIF” — GloRilla
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar
“Luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“Brokey” — Latto

Best International Act

Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Basky (UK)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Ezra Collective (UK)
Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
MC Luanna (Brazil)
Rema (Nigeria)
SDM (France)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)
Best New International Act
Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
Ajulicosta (Brazil)
Amabbi (Brazil)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Dr Yaro (France)
KWN (UK)
Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
Merveille (France)
Odeal (UK)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
TxC (South Africa)

BET Her

“Beautiful People” — Mary J. Blige
“Blackbiird” — Beyonce feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts
“Bloom” — Doechii
“Burning” — Tems
“Defying Gravity” — Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
WINNER: “Heart of a Woman” — Summer Walker
“Hold On” — Tems
“In My Bag” — Flo & GloRilla

Best Movie

Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
WINNER: Luther: Never Too Much
Mufasa: The Lion King
One of Them Days
Rebel Ridge
The Piano Lesson
The Six Triple Eight

Best Actor

Aaron Pierce
Aldis Hodge
Anthony Mackie
Colman Domingo
WINNER: Denzel Washington
Jamie Foxx
Joey Bada$$
Kevin Hart
Sterling K. Brown
Will Smith

Best Actress

Andra Day
Angela Bassett
Coco Jones
WINNER: Cynthia Erivo
Keke Palmer
Kerry Washington
Quinta Brunson
Viola Davis
Zendaya

Young Stars Award

Akira Akbar
WINNER: Blue Ivy Carter
Graceyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth
Heiress Harris
Melody Hurd
Thaddeus J. Mixson
Tyrik Johnson
VanVan

Sportswoman of the Year Award

A’ja Wilson
WINNER: Angel Reese
Claressa Shields
Coco Gauff
Dawn Staley
Flau’jae Johnson
Juju Watkins
Sha’Carri Richardson
Simone Biles

Aaron Judge
Anthony Edwards
Deion Sanders
WINNER: Jalen Hurts
Jayson Tatum
LeBron James
Saquon Barkley
Stephen Curry

The post She Did It! Ayra Starr Becomes the First Nigerian Woman to Win BET Best International Act appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The 2025 BET Awards nominations are in, and African artists feature prominently across major categories, marking another strong moment for the continent’s music on the global stage.

Ayra Starr leads the African contingent with three nominations: ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist’, ‘Best New Artist’, and ‘Best International Act’. These nominations reflect her expanding presence in both African and international music circles.

Tems earns two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for “Burning” and “Hold On,” both from her debut album “Born In The Wild.”

Tems, already a global sensation, continues to break barriers, earning two nominations in the ‘BET Her’ category for her moving tracks, “Burning” and “Hold On”. These powerful songs from her debut album, “Born In The Wild,” not only showcase her signature emotional depth but also highlight her role as one of the most resonant voices in contemporary music.

Other African acts nominated this year include Rema, Burna Boy, Tyla, Black Sherif, and Uncle Waffles. The ‘Best New International Act’ category also sees strong African representation, with Shallipopi, Odeal, Maglera Doe Boy, Abigail Chams, and Dlala Thukzin recognised for their work over the past year.

This year’s nominations point to the expanding global footprint of African music and the continued recognition of its artists on major international stages.

See the full list of nominees:

Album of the Year

• $OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U – Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
• 11:11 Deluxe – Chris Brown
• Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
• Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
• Glorious – GloRilla
• GNX – Kendrick Lamar
• Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
• We Don’t Trust You – Future & Metro Boomin

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

• Ayra Starr
• Ari Lennox
• Coco Jones
• Kehlani
• Muni Long
• Summer Walker
• SZA
• Victoria Monét

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

• Bruno Mars
• Chris Brown
• Drake
• Fridayy
• Leon Thomas
• Teddy Swims
• The Weeknd
• Usher

Best Group

• 41
• Common & Pete Rock
• Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
• FLO
• Future & Metro Boomin
• Jacquees & Dej Loaf
• Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist
• Maverick City Music

Best Collaboration

• 30 for 30 – SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar
• Alter Ego – Doechii feat. JT
• Are You Even Real – Teddy Swims feat. GIVĒON
• Beckham – Dee Billz feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, KJ Swervo
• Bless – Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug
• Like That – Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
• Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
• Sticky – Tyler, the Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
• Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

• Cardi B
• Doechii
• Doja Cat
• GloRilla
• Latto
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Nicki Minaj
• Rapsody
• Sexyy Red

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

• Burna Boy
• BigXthaPlug
• Bossman Dlow
• Drake
• Future
• Kendrick Lamar
• Key Glock
• Lil Wayne
• Tyler, the Creator

Video of the Year

• 3AM in Tokeyo – Key Glock
• A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
• After Hours – Kehlani
• Denial is a River – Doechii
• Family Matters – Drake
• Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
• Timeless – The Weeknd feat. Playboi Carti
• Type Shit – Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti

Video Director of the Year

• Anderson .Paak
• B Pace Productions & Jacquees
• Benny Boom
• Cactus Jack
• Cole Bennett
• Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
• Dave Meyers
• Foggieraw
• Tyler, the Creator

Best New Artist

• 41
• Ayra Starr
• BigXthaPlug
• Bossman Dlow
• Dee Billz
• Leon Thomas
• October London
• Shaboozey
• Teddy Swims

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

• A God (There Is) – Common & Pete Rock feat. Jennifer Hudson
• Amen – Pastor Mike Jr.
• Better Days – Fridayy
• Church Doors – Yolanda Adams feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence (Terry Hunter Remix)
• Constant – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula
• Deserve to Win – Tamela Mann
• Faith – Rapsody
• Rain Down on Me – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music

Viewer’s Choice Award

• Residuals – Chris Brown
• Denial is a River – Doechii
• Nokia – Drake
• Like That – Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• TGIF – GloRilla
• Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
• Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
• Brokey – Latto

Best International Act

• Any Gabrielly (Brazil)
• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• Bashy (United Kingdom)
• Black Sherif (Ghana)
• Ezra Collective (United Kingdom)
• Joé Dwèt Filé (France)
• MC Luanna (Brazil)
• Rema (Nigeria)
• SDM (France)
• Tyla (South Africa)
• Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Best New International Act

• Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
• Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
• Amabbi (Brazil)
• Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
• Dr Yaro (France)
• KWN (United Kingdom)
• Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
• Merveille (France)
• Odeal (United Kingdom)
• Shallipopi (Nigeria)
• TxC (South Africa)

BET Her

• Beautiful People – Mary J. Blige
• Blackbiird – Beyoncé feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts
• Bloom – Doechii
• Burning – Tems
• Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande
• Heart of a Woman – Summer Walker
• Hold On – Tems
• In My Bag – FLO & GloRilla

Best Movie

• Bad Boys: Ride or Die
• Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
• Luther: Never Too Much
• Mufasa: The Lion King
• One of Them Days
• Rebel Ridge
• The Piano Lesson
• The Six Triple Eight

Best Actor

• Aaron Pierre
• Aldis Hodge
• Anthony Mackie
• Colman Domingo
• Denzel Washington
• Jamie Foxx
• Joey Bada$$
• Kevin Hart
• Sterling K. Brown
• Will Smith

Best Actress

• Andra Day
• Angela Bassett
• Coco Jones
• Cynthia Erivo
• Keke Palmer
• Kerry Washington
• Quinta Brunson
• Viola Davis
• Zendaya

YoungStars Award

• Akira Akbar
• Blue Ivy Carter
• Gracelyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth
• Heiress Harris
• Melody Hurd
• Thaddeus J. Mixson
• Tyrik Johnson
• VanVan

Sportswoman of the Year Award

• A’ja Wilson
• Angel Reese
• Claressa Shields
• Coco Gauff
• Dawn Staley
• Flau’jae Johnson
• Juju Watkins
• Sha’Carri Richardson
• Simone Biles

Sportsman of the Year Award

• Aaron Judge
• Anthony Edwards
• Deion Sanders
• Jalen Hurts
• Jayson Tatum
• LeBron James
• Saquon Barkley
• Stephen Curry

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