Get ready—the culture is stepping into a time machine, and the destination is peak 2000s nostalgia.

The 2025 BET Awards is set to deliver one of its most anticipated celebrations yet: a star-studded tribute to 106 & Park, the iconic music countdown show that shaped an entire generation of Hip-Hop and R&B fans. As first shared by BET Media Group (BET), the network is honoring the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking series with a historic reunion of its most beloved hosts.

According to BET executives, AJ Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J will return to the stage for a moment that promises to honor not just a show, but a cultural era. For millions of young viewers, 106 & Park wasn’t simply a place to watch music videos—it was a daily ritual, a launching pad for stars, and a heartbeat of youth culture during the early 2000s.

“‘106 & Park was more than just a music countdown show; it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest-rated BET programs for over a decade,” said Scott Mills, BET President and CEO (BET). “From Freestyle Friday to unforgettable live performances, it launched careers, influenced fashion, and became a platform where voices, style, and sound converged.”

And no reunion would be complete without the artists who helped define the era. The tribute will feature performances from some of the show’s biggest alumni—including Bow Wow (forever known as “Mr. 106 & Park”), Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I., and several surprise guests. According to Variety, producers have promised “a high-energy celebration designed to recreate the magic of the original stage” (Variety).

Connie Orlando, BET’s EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, emphasized the show’s lasting impact. “‘106 & Park served as a cultural touchstone, embodying the energy, creativity, and authenticity of a generation,” she said (BET). “Its legacy continues to influence how we engage with music, connect with talent, and celebrate Black creativity.”

A Full Weekend of Immersive Nostalgia

The celebration doesn’t end on stage. As part of Culture’s Biggest Week, BET is bringing 106 & Park to life with a weekend of immersive experiences at the BET Experience Fan Fest, held June 7–8 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Fans will enjoy:

• The return of Freestyle Friday, reimagined for a new generation

• Appearances from special guests and rising artists

• A fully recreated 106 & Park set for photo ops

• Host reunions and live fan interactions

• Performances echoing the show’s most iconic moments

According to The Hollywood Reporter, BET is “leaning heavily into nostalgia and interactivity to honor the program’s legacy” (The Hollywood Reporter).

Red Carpet Flashbacks & Classic Moments

On the night of the BET Awards, Terrence J will host “Red Carpet Live,” which will include:

• A classic-style freestyle battle

• The debut of a new music video

• Throwback highlights from the show’s earlier years

Meanwhile, Bow Wow will host BET Social LIVE, bringing back the charisma and energy that made him one of the show’s defining figures.

A Full-Circle Moment for the Culture

The live broadcast from the Peacock Theater will be more than just a tribute—it will be a celebration of Black music, fashion, and storytelling, all of which 106 & Park helped elevate. As AP News has noted, many of today’s biggest artists—from Beyoncé and Drake to Ciara and Chris Brown—made some of their most memorable early TV appearances on the 106 & Park stage (AP News).

Twenty-five years ago, the first countdown aired, introducing a new kind of youth-driven music television. Today, the culture is counting down again—not just to celebrate a show, but to honor a movement that shaped a generation.

The 2025 BET Awards airs live on Monday, June 9th, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET.