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As the BET Awards celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, it's only right to reflect on one of the show's most essential ingredients: the host. Over the past two and a half decades, the annual party of Black excellence in music, entertainment, and culture has been guided by a range of personalities who've helped define the tone of the night - whether through humor, commanding presence, or timely commentary.
From comedy legends and hollywood A-listers to chart-topping artists and beloved TV icons, the role of BET Awards host has always been more than just reading from a script. It requires cultural fluency, stage confidence, crowd connectivity and an intuitive understanding of the moment - qualities that only a select few have truly mastered.
In honor of this milestone year, VIBE has compiled the top 10 most unforgettable, impactful, and legendary hosts to ever take the BET Awards stage. Take a look below at those who elevated the show and left an indelible mark on the culture.
damon Wayans (2006)
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty images
Damon Wayans took the mic in 2006 and brought his signature sense of humor and unfiltered satire. Known for his biting comedy and In Living Color legacy, Wayans approached hosting with an edge - leaning into political commentary, social issues, and industry call-outs.
He poked fun at everything from rap beefs to George W.Bush's presidency, and while some of the jokes sparked side-eyes and raised eye-brows, others landed with much-needed truth. His hosting may not have been the warmest, but it was one of the most daring - proving the BET host can handle more than just reading from a teleprompter, but keeping it real.
Steve Harvey & cedric The Entertainer (2001 & 2002)
Image credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
The inaugural 2001 BET Awards were hosted by none other than comedy duo Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer. The two kings of comedy brought their barbershop humor to the BET stage with their undeniable chemistry, cracking jokes about R&B beefs, church hats, and more.
As much pressure as the first-ever BET Awards probably placed on them, their follow-up hosting in 2002 proved that they were a great way to set the tone for 23 years to come.They returned sharper, funnier, and even more comfortable in their roles as they anchored what would become one of Black culture's biggest nights.
See a clip of the two below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCShqgjsTBA?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Samuel L. Jackson (2012)
Image Credit: Michael Buckner/PMC
when Samuel L. Jackson didn't come with any costume changes or dance breaks during his hosting gig at the 2012 BET Awardshe and director Spike Lee did kick off the show with a hilarious parody of JAY-Z and Kanye West's "Nias in Paris." It was unexpected of the mature Hollywood stars but definitely worth it. Throughout the evening, Jackson leaned into his signature style: fast-witted, unfiltered, and cool under pressure. He wasn't overly scripted, but brought his natural presence, matureness, and raw Blackness.
But what elevated his hosting beyond the humor was the respect he brought to the culture. He struck a balance between playful and poignant.
Take a look at his "Nias In Paris" performance below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9_dn9OP5tc?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Queen Latifah (2010)
Image credit: leon Bennett/Getty Images
queen Latifah, who has been Hip-Hop royalty and Hollywood mainstay for some time now, stepped into the role of BET Awards host in 2010. Latifah effortlessly brought range, humor, and regality as she opened the night in full Set It Off mode, reprising her role as Cleo for a hilarious nod to her cinematic legacy.
Switching up her looks throughout the night, she morphed into the different eras of her music and film career - even dusting off her signature African top hat as seen in her earlier styles.
Take a look below.
Host Queen Latifah speaks onstage during the 2010 BET Awards held at the shrine Auditorium on June 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
Frederick M. Brown/getty Images
Regina Hall (2019)
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Regina Hall didn't just host the 2019 BET Awards - she transformed the Microsoft Theater into a Go-Go celebration of Washington, D.C., in homage to her hometown. As a Howard University alum, she used the BET stage as her personal Homecoming runway, opening the show with a high-energy tribute with iconic musicians Sugar Bear and a cameo by Taraji P. Henson.
Throughout the night, Hall effortlessly balanced political commentary and humor, cracking jokes about Trump's white House and her fellow celeb friends, while also uplifting the Black and brown faces in the audience.
See below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyGaPcefj4?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]
Tracee Ellis Ross & Anthony Anderson (2015,2016)
Image Credit:
