Deon Cole Set to Host 2025 NAACP Image Awards, Ledisi to Perform
UPDATE (Feb. 21): Ledisi, accompanied by the Adam Blackstone Band, is set to perform on the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, which will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif., on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET. The show will simulcast on CBS, BET Her, VH1, MTV, MTV2, Pop, TV Land, Logo, Comedy Central and Smithsonian.
DJ D-Nice is set to lead a tribute to music legend Quincy Jones, who died in November at age 91.
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MC Lyte will return as in show announcer. LL Cool J, Chl?e, Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer and Shannon Sharpe are among the presenters. LL hosted the show in 2007. Palmer and Sharpe are current nominees for entertainer of the year.
The 56th NAACP Image Awards Red Carpet Live, hosted by Terrence J, Chl?e, Novi Brown and Jessie Woo, will air live at 7 p.m. ET on BET, BET Her and VH1.
Here’s the full list of presenters:
Aldis Hodge & Edwin Hodge
Chl?e
Clifton Davis & Karla Mosley
Danielle Deadwyler
David Alan Grier
Don Cheadle
Ego Nwodim
Gabrielle Union
George Wallace
Harold Perrineau
Janelle James
Jay Ellis
Jurnee Smollett
Keke Palmer
Laverne Cox
LL Cool J
Morris Chestnut
Shannon Sharpe
Taraji P. Henson
PREVIOUSLY (Feb. 20): Comedian, actor and writer Deon Cole will host the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, airing live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif., on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS.
“BET is excited to partner once again with the incomparable Deon Cole, whose effortless charm and humor resonate deeply with our audiences,” Connie Orlando, EVP of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET, said in a statement.
“As a comedian, actor, and cultural icon, Deon Cole has consistently used his talent to entertain, uplift and inspire,” added Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO. “His humor, deep appreciation for the culture and commitment to our community has cemented him as an entertainment legend.”
This is Cole’s first time hosting the NAACP Image Awards. Queen Latifah hosted the show the last two years. Blackish star Anthony Anderson hosted the nine years before that.
BET Media Group will receive the NAACP Founders Award on the telecast. The award recognizes BET Media Group’s 45-year legacy of amplifying Black culture.
Launched in 1980 by founders Bob and Sheila Johnson, BET quickly became a force. Under Debra Lee’s leadership, the network expanded its global footprint. Today, under Scott Mills’ leadership, BET has become a multi-platform media powerhouse, spanning television, streaming, digital, live events and international markets.
“The Founder’s Award honors those who dare to dream beyond limits and turn vision into reality. Johnson said in a statement. “For more than four decades, BET has been an innovator of culture, creating space for our community to see themselves recognized on-screen and inspiring generations to believe that their dreams are within reach. BET has redefined media by championing bold storytelling, celebrating unforgettable music and delivering groundbreaking moments that resonate with audiences worldwide. Through their undeniable leadership in the entertainment industry, BET has continuously pushed boundaries and set new standards for others to follow in their path.”
Previous recipients of the Founders Award include Toni Vaz, founder of the NAACP Image Awards, and country music icon Garth Brooks.
Previously announced special award recipients at this year’s NAACP Image Awards are comedian Dave Chappelle (President’s Award) and The Wayans Family (NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame) and former Vice President Kamala Harris (Chairman’s Award).
The 56th NAACP Image Awards will be telecast live on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS. This year, the broadcast will be extended 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised categories at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors Friday, Feb. 21.
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