Ayra Starr Clinches First BET Award as Kendrick Lamar Dominates 2025 Ceremony

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has secured her first-ever BET award, winning the prestigious Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, held at Peacock Arena, Los Angeles, on Monday night.

Her victory comes after missing out in previous editions, edging out top contenders like Rema and Tyla to claim the honor.

However, Ayra Starr fell short in her other two nominations, Best New Artist, which went to Leon Thomas, and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, claimed by SZA.

Similarly, Tems, despite being nominated twice in the BET Her category, lost to Summer Walker.

Kendrick Lamar Emerges as Biggest Winner

Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, taking home five of his ten nominations, solidifying his position as a powerhouse in the industry.

Major Award 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

Music Video & Directing

• Video of the Year: ‘Not Like Us’ — Kendrick Lamar

• Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar

New & International Artists

• Best New Artist: Leon Thomas

• Best International Act: Ayra Starr

• Best New International Act: TXC (South Africa)

Gospel & Viewer’s Choice

• 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 Award: ‘Heart of a Woman’ — Summer Walker

Film & Acting

• Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much

• Best Actor: Denzel Washington

• Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo

Young Talent & Sports

• Young Stars Award: Blue Ivy Carter

• Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts

• Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese