Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has clinched her first-ever BET Award, taking home the prestigious Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards held Monday night at the Peacock Arena in Los Angeles.
The win marks a major milestone for Starr, who edged out top contenders like Rema and Tyla after previously missing out on the prize in past editions.
Despite the win, Starr lost in two other categories — Best New Artist, which went to Leon Thomas, and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, won by SZA.
Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian star Tems, who was nominated twice in the BET Her category, lost to Summer Walker’s Heart of a Woman.
The night’s biggest winner was American rapper Kendrick Lamar, who bagged five awards, including Album of the Year for GNX and Video of the Year for Not Like Us.
Other notable winners:
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown
- Best Group: Future & Metro Boomin
- Best New International Act: TXC (South Africa)
- Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
- Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts
- Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese
The 2025 BET Awards celebrated Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture, with both rising stars and legends recognized for their achievements.
