Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has won her first-ever BET Award, securing the prestigious Best International Act title at the 2025 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Arena in Los Angeles on Monday night.
Her victory follows previous nominations in past editions without a win. This time, Starr triumphed over notable contenders including Rema and Tyla to claim the award.
However, she fell short in her other two nominated categories Best New Artist, which went to Leon Thomas, and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, won by SZA.
Fellow Nigerian artiste Tems, who had received two nominations in the BET Her category, lost out to Summer Walker.
The night’s biggest winner was American rapper Kendrick Lamar, who walked away with five awards out of ten nominations.
Full List of Winners – 2025 BET Awards
-
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: Angel Reese
