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Where Talent Meets Legacy

The national HBCU talent search putting campus stars center stage and on national TV

Thank you to every student who submitted their audition for HBCU Rising Star — your talent, creativity, and passion truly embody the legacy of HBCUs.

#HBCURisingStar

Our judges: Myles Frost, Gabby Samone, Raheem DeVaughn, and Shawn Williams — are reviewing submissions to select three finalists who will advance to the next round.

Check back Thursday, November 13, when we reveal the finalists taking the stage at HBCU Honors 2025, airing on BET & BET Her.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube for behind-the-scenes updates, countdown moments, and your first look at the finalists.

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HBCU Rising Star celebrates the creativity, confidence, and community spirit of HBCU students nationwide.

This competition invites singers to share their talent for a chance to perform
during the HBCU Honors Television Special, airing on BET and BET Her.

The winner performs live at the Duke Ellington Theatre in Washington, D.C., joining an unforgettable night honoring legacy, innovation, and excellence.

Key Dates

November 2, 2025Submissions Open
November 11, 2025Submission Deadline
November 13, 2025Finalists Announced
November 17, 2025Live Auditions – Duke Ellington Theatre, Washington, D.C.
November 20, 2025HBCU Honors Show Taping
November 30, 2025Broadcast Premiere on BET & BET Her

Official Terms & Eligibility

• Must be a currently enrolled student at an accredited HBCU.

• Must be 18+ years old.

• Solo singers only (no groups).

• No entry fee.

• 60–90 second vocal performance

• Post publicly on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts

• Tag @HBCU_Honors, @BET, and presenting sponsor

• Use hashtags #HBCURisingStar #HBCUHonors• Complete the form at by Nov. 11, 2025

• All eligible entries reviewed by HBCU Honors judges.

• Up to three finalists perform live on Nov. 17, 2025.


• Winner announced during HBCU Honors airing Nov. 30 on BET

By submitting, entrants grant the HBCU Honors Foundation and BET Networks full promotional and broadcast rights to use submitted content and likeness in perpetuity across all media platforms without further compensation.

• Participation signifies agreement with these terms and decisions of the Foundation.

• The Foundation is not responsible for technical errors or lost submissions.

• Participation does not guarantee finalist selection.

 Contact: execdirector@hbcuhonors.org

© 2025 HBCU Honors Foundation. All participants grant perpetual rights for promotional and broadcast use to the HBCU Honors Foundation, presenting sponsor, and BET Networks.