Big Wins Roll In During Virtual Celebration
The second night of the 57th NAACP Image Awards brought major victories for some of the biggest names in music and media. Announced during a virtual ceremony streamed exclusively on YouTube, the non-televised awards spotlighted excellence in music and podcasting — and stars like Kendrick Lamar, SZA and Cardi B emerged as standout winners.
While the televised ceremony is still ahead, night two made it clear that this year’s competition was fierce and filled with powerhouse talent.
Hosted by Angel “ThatChickAngel” Laketa Moore and Khleo Thomas, the three-night virtual event continues to celebrate Black creativity across genres and platforms.
Cardi B’s Big Night: Three Major Wins
A Clean Sweep in Key Categories
Cardi B dominated the evening, taking home three awards in major categories.
She won:
- Outstanding Artist
- Outstanding Album for Am I the Drama?
- Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song for “ErrTime”
Her album Am I the Drama? has been widely praised for its bold production and confident storytelling, and these wins solidify her continued impact in hip-hop.
The victory for “ErrTime” in the hip-hop/rap song category reinforces her influence in a competitive field that included artists like Doechii, GloRilla and Chance the Rapper.
For Cardi B, the wins mark another milestone in a career that continues to evolve and expand.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA Add to Their Award Streak
Outstanding Male Artist and Music Video Win
Entertainer of the Year nominee Kendrick Lamar added two more NAACP Image Awards to his collection.
He won Outstanding Male Artist and shared the award for Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album with SZA for “luther.” The collaboration has been praised for its cinematic visuals and powerful storytelling.
Lamar’s momentum doesn’t stop there. On the previous night, he also picked up Outstanding Short-Form Series or Special for his Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
Together, Kendrick Lamar and SZA continue to prove why they remain two of the most influential voices in contemporary music.
Michelle Obama and The Don Lemon Show Shine in Podcast Categories
Podcasting Powerhouses Recognized
Former First Lady Michelle Obama earned two additional wins for her podcast IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.
The show won:
- Outstanding Podcast – Arts, Sports and Entertainment
- Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help
Earlier in the week, Obama also won for Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography for her book The Look, making it a multi-category triumph for the media personality.
Meanwhile, The Don Lemon Show secured two wins in:
- Outstanding Podcast – News and Information
- Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture
The podcast category once again highlighted how digital platforms have become powerful spaces for cultural conversations and storytelling.
Breakout Wins Across Music Categories
New Artist and International Success
Monaleo won Outstanding New Artist for Who Did the Body?, signaling her rising presence in hip-hop.
In the Outstanding International Song category, Tyla took home the award for “Is It,” representing the growing global impact of African artists on the mainstream music scene.
Gospel, Jazz and Soundtracks Honored
The awards also celebrated excellence across genres:
- Kirk Franklin won Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for “Do It Again.”
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard won Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album for Tasha.
- Terri Lyne Carrington and Christie Dashiell won Outstanding Jazz Album for We Insist! 2025.
- Sinners won Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album and Outstanding Original Score for Television/Film.
These categories showcased the diversity of musical expression honored by the NAACP Image Awards.
Duo and Collaboration Highlights
Traditional and Contemporary Collaborations
In the Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) category, 803Fresh and Fantasia won for “Boots on the Ground Remix.”
Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller and Usher won the Contemporary Collaboration category for “It Depends (Remix).”
Collaborations continue to be a driving force in modern music, blending styles and fan bases to create standout tracks.
A Broader Celebration of Black Excellence
The NAACP Image Awards are known for celebrating achievement across entertainment, literature, activism and media. Night two’s focus on music and podcasting reflects the evolving landscape of storytelling.
Streaming platforms, digital media and independent distribution channels have expanded opportunities for artists and creators. The winners announced during this virtual event represent not only commercial success but also cultural influence.
What’s Next for the NAACP Image Awards?
The 57th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Feb. 28 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
The televised ceremony will be hosted by Deon Cole and will feature major honorary awards. Viola Davis is set to receive the Chairman’s Award, while Colman Domingo will be honored with the President’s Award.
Additional honors throughout the week include:
- Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant receiving the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award.
- A$AP Rocky being presented with the Vanguard Award during the NAACP Image Awards Reception & Fashion Show.
With more winners to be announced, excitement continues to build ahead of the live broadcast.
A Night That Showed the Power of Music and Media
Night two of the NAACP Image Awards proved that the celebration extends far beyond the televised stage. From Cardi B’s triple victory to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s collaborative win, the evening highlighted artists shaping today’s cultural landscape.
At the same time, podcast creators and storytellers demonstrated the growing power of audio platforms to inform, inspire and entertain.
As awards season continues, the NAACP Image Awards remain a powerful reminder that representation and recognition matter — especially in an industry that continues to evolve.
