Why are BET Hip Hop Awards and Soul Train Awards cancelled? Reason explained

As BET pivoted its programming, the BET Hip Hop Awards and Soul Train Awards were suspended, a move CEO Scott Mills framed as part of a broader media transformation.

Scott Mills, who stepped into the role of BET’s CEO in 2021 after serving as president and previously working under Viacom’s executive umbrella, oversaw a significant shift in the network’s approach to its programming. According to Billboard, it was during his tenure that BET began what has been described as an evolution of its broader media strategy.

When asked whether two of BET’s staple award shows, the Soul Train Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards, were being shelved, Mills clarified the situation, steering away from finality.

“I would say that it’s less about them being no longer and more about our team having to reimagine them for this changing media landscape that we find ourselves in, I think what we’re going to see are more people taking franchises and saying, ‘This might have started on linear television, but now I’m going to move it to another space. Do I move it to streaming? Or do I move it to another platform?’” he shared.

He confirmed that the BET Hip Hop Awards and Soul Train Awards were suspended on BET’s traditional broadcast platform but emphasized that the door hadn’t closed on their future:

“They aren’t gone. And we also still have the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards.”

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BET Hip Hop Awards suspended, BET Awards ratings slide blamed on schedule shift

As the BET Hip Hop Awards remained on pause and viewership for the 2025 BET Awards took a sharp hit, BET CEO Scott Mills addressed growing questions about the network’s core event programming.

With nearly a 50% drop in the crucial 18–49 age bracket, concerns about the BET Awards’ staying power surfaced. But Mills, who has been part of the BET journey since the beginning, didn’t see it that way.

"Viewership was down. However, the cable ecosystem is smaller today than it was a year ago. That’s just the reality of it," he shared.

He went on to commend the creative minds behind the 25th anniversary broadcast:

"I give [executive vp/head of specials, music programming and music strategy] Connie Orlando and the creative team incredible credit for delivering an amazing 25th anniversary BET Awards show."

Sharing a personal reflection, Mills recalled watching the show alongside Stephen Hill, the original creator of the BET Awards:

"My seat mate at this year’s show was Stephen Hill, the young man who, 25 years ago, created the BET Awards. At the end of it, he turned to me and said, 'This is one of the best BET Awards I’ve ever seen.'"

While industry trends played a role, Mills pointed to one key decision that likely impacted the numbers more than anything else:

"Honestly, I attribute the viewership declines less to the declines in the cable ecosystem and more to the fact that we moved the night of the show."

Looking ahead, BET plans to return to its usual schedule and revive the broader experience:

"What you’ll see in 2026 is us moving it right back to its traditional location, the last Sunday in June. And we’ll bring the BET festival back as well."

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Kendrick Lamar dominated the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards with eight wins

The BET Hip Hop Awards has stood as one of the genre’s biggest stages since its debut in 2006, known for its raw cyphers, headline-grabbing performances, and celebration of the culture’s finest voices. Each year, the BET Hip Hop Awards brings together rap’s elite and rising stars, creating moments that often spill beyond the stage and into the broader conversation.

In 2024, Kendrick Lamar dominated the BET Hip Hop Awards, taking home eight trophies out of eleven nominations, including major categories like song of the year and artist of the year. The rapper’s sweep underscored his continued influence on the scene.

Other standout winners at the BET Hip Hop Awards included Nicki Minaj, who took home hip hop album of the year, while Sexyy Red was recognized as breakthrough hip hop artist. Missy Elliott, a longtime icon, earned best live performer for her dynamic stage presence.

Parallel to that, the Soul Train Awards remained committed to honoring excellence in R&B and soul, serving as a sister show within the larger BET Awards franchise that highlights Black creativity and impact across musical genres.

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