Ayra Starr wins 2025 BET award for Best International Act

The 22-year-old singer triumphed over strong contenders, including South Africa’s Tyla, fellow Nigerian artist Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif.

The ceremony took place on Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and is renowned for honoring Black excellence in music, film, sports, and culture.

This year, comedian Kevin Hart hosted the event, returning to the role he previously filled in 2011. Hart opened the night with his trademark bold humor and sharp jabs at several pop culture figures, including Kanye West.

Since her debut nomination in 2022, Ayra Starr has received recognition across multiple categories, including Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), and the BET Her Award (2024 for “Commas”), in addition to three nominations in 2025.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home four major awards: Album of the Year for *GNX*, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and Best Collaboration with SZA for “Luther.”

Here is the full list of winners at the 2025 BET Awards:

– Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA
– Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown
– 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
– Album of the Year: *GNX* – Kendrick Lamar
– Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
– Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
– Best Actor: Denzel Washington
– Best Movie: *Luther: Never Too Much*
– YoungStars Award: Blue Ivy Carter
– Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese
– Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts
– BET Her Award: “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
– Best New International Act: TxCT (South Africa), Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
– Best International Act: Ayra Starr
– Viewer’s Choice Award: “Residuals” – Chris Brown