🎤 Do People Still Watch the BET Hip Hop & Soul Train Awards? Or Is It the Money? 🧐 lifestyle music awards show

🎤 Do People Still Watch the BET Hip Hop & Soul Train Awards? Or Is It the Money? 🧐

Remember when the BET Hip Hop Awards and Soul Train Awards were must-see TV? The cyphers, the fashion, the tributes, and the drama—we used to be glued to our screens. But fast-forward to 2025, and both shows are on pause. No red carpet, no performances, and definitely no “hottest MC” debates.

So what’s really going on? Do people just not watch anymore… or is BET facing money issues?

BET says they’re “reimagining” the awards for today’s audience. Translation? Viewership dropped, streaming took over, and ad dollars might be tighter than a lace front in July. These shows cost money to produce—venues, performers, lighting, sets—and if the ratings aren’t matching up, execs start pulling plugs.

But here’s the real tea: a lot of us stopped tuning in. Why?

• We get our music and drama from TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels now.
• Award shows often feel predictable or out of touch.
• And let’s be honest… half of the BET crowd is arguing online, not watching the actual show.

Still, it’s a loss. These awards gave Black artists a platform that mainstream shows ignored. It celebrated our culture, our legends, and those coming up. Now it feels like BET is ghosting us—and nobody’s even sending a goodbye text.

So what do we need to know?

• The awards aren’t officially dead—but they’re in the ICU.
• BET is trying to find a “new format” (whatever that means).
• If we want these shows back, we need to show up, stream, tweet, and care.

Do you still watch award shows? Or are you over it?

Let’s talk in the comments. 👇🏽