BET CEO Scott Mills announced that the network is suspending the BET Hip-Hop Awards and Soul Train Music Awards from cable due to changing media trends and declining ratings. Mills clarified that this is a strategic pause, not a cancellation, with future options such as streaming or digital formats under consideration.
The BET Hip-Hop Awards started in 2006. It recognizes achievements across all aspects of the genre, from lyricism and production to impact and cultural influence. One of the most prestigious honors of the event is the I Am Hip Hop Award, which celebrates legendary artists whose contributions have shaped the hip hop genre. A highly anticipated segment of the BET Hip Hop Awards is the cyphers. It consists of raw, unfiltered rap sessions that showcase MCs flexing their lyrical skills. Unfortunately, the 2025 BET Awards had a 50% drop in viewers aged 18–49 compared to 2024.
The Soul Train Music Awards was founded in 1987 to honor R&B, soul, gospel, jazz, reggae, and hip-
hop. The show has honored legendary performers, spotlighted rising talent, and continued the legacy of the Soul Train television program, which for decades served as a cultural hub for music, dance, and style. The last Soul Train Music Awards aired in 2023; there were no broadcasts in 2024 or 2025.
Overall, TV award shows have lost 30% of their audience since 2015. Audiences are now increasingly drawn to streaming, social media, and on-demand content over traditional cable television broadcasts.
Financial pressures also play a role in the indefinite suspension of the BET Hip-Hop Awards and Soul Train Music Awards. Producing live award shows is expensive, and lower ad revenue and viewership make them less sustainable. Paramount Global, BET’s parent company, is currently reorganizing budgets. BET plans to keep key cultural events like the NAACP Image Awards and Stellar Awards, but may be making adjustments to others.
Again, neither award show has been officially canceled. BET is evaluating alternative methods of presentation, including the possibility of hosting ceremonies on streaming platforms such as BET+ or other digital channels. The future of the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Music Awards will depend on their ability to evolve and succeed on emerging platforms.
