On June 9, 2025, the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles became a vibrant stage for the 25th BET Awards, a night that celebrated Black excellence with a grandeur that resonated far beyond the venue. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Kevin Hart, the event was a powerful tribute to cultural trailblazers, with the Ultimate Icon Awards taking center stage. Honoring Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg, these icons delivered acceptance speeches that were emotional, inspiring, and quintessentially their own, cementing the night as a defining moment in the awards’ storied history.
Jamie Foxx: A Testimony of Resilience
Jamie Foxx, the first to receive the Ultimate Icon Award, set an emotional tone for the evening. Presented by his longtime friend Stevie Wonder, who jokingly noted their bond didn’t stem from Foxx’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Ray Charles, Foxx’s speech was a raw reflection on his near-fatal stroke in April 2023. “I saw the ‘In Memoriam’ and thought, that could’ve been me,” he shared, his voice breaking as he stood alongside his daughters. He expressed gratitude for his second chance at life, thanking his team and the Black community for the significance of the award. “The Icon Award is the most important because it comes from us,” he said, honoring legends like Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, who paved the way. Foxx’s speech was a masterclass in vulnerability and gratitude, leaving the audience in tears and on their feet.
Mariah Carey: Embracing the Diva Within
Mariah Carey, dripping in gold and radiating her signature glamour, accepted the second Ultimate Icon Award, presented by Total Wireless. In a moment of revelation, she shared that this was her first-ever BET Award, quipping, “If you’re gonna get one, might as well start with the Ultimate Icon Award.” Her speech was a blend of humor and wisdom as she paid homage to her fellow honorees and encouraged the audience to “believe in yourself, love and respect yourself. Be a diva. Be a boss. Be anything you want to be—but be iconic while you’re doing it.” Carey’s words were a rallying cry for self-empowerment, delivered with the charm and confidence that have defined her decades-long career.
Snoop Dogg: A West Coast Love Letter
Snoop Dogg, introduced by his longtime collaborator Dr. Dre, took the stage with his wife, Shante Broadus, by his side, embodying the grounded charisma that has made him a cultural titan. His speech was a heartfelt ode to his journey, from his days in county jail listening to Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” to his evolution into a media mogul and owner of Death Row Records. Snoop shouted out his fellow honorees, his “brethren” Dr. Dre, Warren G, and the late Nate Dogg, and his family, particularly Shante, whom he called his “rock.” “This is why I’m able to deal with all the things I deal with—because I’ve got God and a queen in my life,” he said. His speech, followed by a high-energy medley of hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” transformed the Peacock Theatre into a West Coast celebration.
Kirk Franklin: A Gospel of Gratitude
Closing the night, gospel legend Kirk Franklin accepted the fourth Ultimate Icon Award with a speech that turned the stage into a pulpit. Reflecting on his challenging childhood, he shared, “The only time I felt love was when I sat behind the piano and wrote songs to Jesus.” He honored his adoptive mother, Gertrude, his wife, Tammy, and his collaborator, Rodney Hill, who he credited with saving his life and career. “I am not perfect… which makes this award even more amazing,” Franklin humbly concluded. His speech was followed by a spirit-filled performance of gospel anthems, including “Stomp” and “Silver and Gold,” featuring Muni Long and Tamar Braxton, leaving the audience uplifted and the night ending on a transcendent note.
A Night of Legacy and Cultural Resonance
The 2025 BET Awards, dubbed “Culture’s Biggest Night,” were more than a ceremony—they were a testament to the enduring power of Black artistry. The Ultimate Icon Award recipients’ speeches were not just thank-yous but profound reflections on their journeys, struggles, and triumphs. From Foxx’s emotional testimony to Carey’s empowering call, Snoop’s heartfelt gratitude, and Franklin’s gospel truth, these speeches encapsulated the essence of the BET Awards: a platform for unfiltered, unapologetic Black excellence. As the night celebrated 45 years of BET’s legacy and honored new talents like Kendrick Lamar and GloRilla, it reminded us why, 25 years in, the BET Awards remain a cultural cornerstone.
