Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has made history by winning her first-ever BET award at the 2025 ceremony held at the Peacock Arena in Los Angeles on Monday night. The talented artist claimed the highly coveted Best International Act category, marking a significant milestone in her career after missing out in previous editions.
Starr triumphed over other prominent artists including fellow Nigerian Rema and South African sensation Tyla to secure the prestigious award. However, she missed out on her other two nominations - Best New Artist, which went to Leon Thomas, and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, claimed by SZA.
Kendrick Lamar Dominates the Night
American rapper Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night's biggest winner, taking home five awards from his ten nominations. His victories included Album of the Year for "GNX," Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for "Not Like Us," and Video Director of the Year alongside Dave Free. Lamar also won Best Collaboration for "Luther" featuring SZA.
Despite being nominated twice in the Best Her category, Nigerian singer Tems lost to Summer Walker's "Heart of a Woman."
Other Notable Winners
The 2025 BET Awards celebrated excellence across music, film, and sports. Chris Brown claimed the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist award and the Viewer's Choice Award for "Residuals." SZA was crowned Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, while Future & Metro Boomin took home the Best Group honor.
In the acting categories, Denzel Washington and Cynthia Erivo won Best Actor and Best Actress respectively, while "Luther: Never Too Much" was named Best Movie. The sports world was represented by Jalen Hurts winning Sportsman of the Year and Angel Reese taking Sportswoman of the Year.
South African act TXC was recognized as Best New International Act, and Blue Ivy Carter received the Young Stars Award.
Full List of 2025 BET Awards Winners
Album of the Year: GNX — Kendrick Lamar
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA
Best Group: Future & Metro Boomin
Best Collaboration: 'Luther' — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Doechii
Video of the Year: 'Not Like Us' – Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist: Leon Thomas
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: 'Rain Down on Me' — GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Viewer's Choice Award: 'Residuals' — Chris Brown
BET Her: 'Heart of a Woman' — Summer Walker
Best International Act: Ayra Starr
Best New International Act: TXC (South Africa)
Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much
Best Actor: Denzel Washington
Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
Young Stars Award: Blue Ivy Carter
Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts
Sportswoman of the Year Award: Angel Reese
Ayra Starr's win represents a significant achievement for Nigerian music on the global stage, continuing the country's impressive showing at international award ceremonies in recent years.
Stay updated with the latest entertainment news by following BenriNews on social media:
