BET is making some major changes, and two of its most beloved music award shows are the latest to be impacted. In a recent interview with Billboard, BET CEO Scott Mills confirmed that both the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards have been suspended indefinitely as the network reassesses how and where these franchises should live in today’s rapidly changing media landscape.
“So for BET linear, we have suspended the Soul Train and Hip-Hop award shows,” Mills explained. “But we have a team that’s actively thinking about where those award shows might best live… They aren’t gone.” He went on to clarify that the decision isn’t about ending the shows completely, but rather reimagining them for the platforms and audiences of tomorrow.
The BET Hip Hop Awards debuted in 2006 and quickly became a fan-favorite, known for its unforgettable cyphers and celebration of hip-hop culture. The Soul Train Awards, which date all the way back to 1987, have long honored R&B and soul artists while preserving the legacy of the legendary Soul Train television series. Both events have played key roles in spotlighting Black music and culture for decades.
Though it’s a bittersweet moment for fans, Mills emphasized that BET is still deeply committed to music. The flagship BET Awards, which just marked its 25th anniversary, remains intact and thriving. Additionally, BET still supports other cultural institutions like the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards.
The network is also pushing into new territory. BET recently announced a revival of its iconic countdown show 106 & Park, but with a twist. The new iteration, 106 & Sports, is being developed in collaboration with SpringHill Entertainment (co-founded by LeBron James) and will focus on the intersection of sports and culture. The show is set to launch this fall.
“We’re going to start with a weekly show at that point with lots of wonderful guests,” Mills said. “It will apply the best elements of the 106 & Park structure and format to the sports world.”
The strategic shifts come amid broader changes at BET and its parent company. In 2023, Paramount Global put BET up for sale with a price tag between $1.6 and $1.7 billion. While that deal didn’t ultimately go through, it sparked widespread conversations about BET’s future, with figures like Tyler Perry, Diddy, and Byron Allen reportedly expressing interest.
As for what’s next for the Hip Hop Awards and Soul Train Awards, it’s clear BET isn’t closing the door completely. Whether that means a streaming revival, pop-up event format, or a move to digital-first experiences, BET is looking to evolve with the culture, not behind it.
