RECAP: “BET Awards” 2026 – Winners List & more. - Icon Awards were presented to Ms. Lauryn Hill, Teyana Taylor, and Sylvia Rhone, with tributes highlighting their illustrious careers & more..

RECAP: “BET Awards” 2026 – Winners List & more.

June 29, 2026

“BET Awards” 2026 recognized Black culture across music, television and film hosted by comedian Druski. Airing live from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, Teyana Taylor took home top honors with four award wins. Paired with unforgettable performances, Culture’s Biggest Night celebrated the very best in entertainment and culture.

Icon Awards were presented to Ms. Lauryn Hill, Teyana Taylor, and Sylvia Rhone, with tributes highlighting their illustrious careers:

• Ms. Lauryn Hill, who closed the show with and electrifying performances of “Ex-Factor” and “Everything Is Everything,” received the Living Legend Icon Award sponsored by Sprite, with tribute performances by Alexia Jayy, Common, Doechii, Doja Cat, Lizzo, Nas, Queen Latifah, Rapsody, selah, SZA, Tierra Whack, The War and Treaty, Zion Marley, and YG Marley. The honor reflected Ms. Hill’s attention and mastery of her craft, and her work’s mainstay in culture. The award was presented by Ice Cube.

• Teyana Taylor received the Icon of the Year Award sponsored by Hyundai, recognizing her as a creative force whose work, presence, and vision are setting the tone for culture. Janet Jackson presented her honor, calling her “an unflinching perfectionist” whose devotion is woven into everything she touches and whose focus and vision bring to life what many would deem impossible.

• Sylvia Rhone was presented with the Ultimate Icon Award sponsored byUnstopables, for her visionary approach to uplifting artists, expanding culture, and contributions to the ongoing genius of American music, presented by Kelly Rowland.

This year, the BET Awards introduced two new categories: the Fashion Vanguard Award presented to Teyana Taylor, recognizing her contribution in shaping culture through fashion, style, and creative expression; and the Pulse Award presented to Druski, recognizing his contribution in shaping conversation and cultural influence across digital media, podcasts and emerging content platforms.

The memorable evening featured a heartfelt tribute highlighting the life and legacy of the late D’Angelo, with powerful performances from Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton, and Raye, culminating in a deeply personal onstage moment alongside D’Angelo’s children. Additionally, the In Memoriam segment was anchored by the timeless music of the late gospel pioneer Richard Smallwood and brought to life through moving vocal performances by Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson, honoring those lost over the past year.

Ahead of the live show, The 2026 BET Awards “Red Carpet Live!” Presented by Hyundai and McDonald’s returned with hosts Bow Wow & Rocsi Diaz on the Main Stage, Loren Lorosa on the Style Stage presented by Mielle, Jason Lee on the Digital Stage, and Tierra Marsh and Brian McIntosh hosting the Social Stage where winners of Sportswoman of the Year, Sportsman of the Year, The Pulse Award and the Young Stars Award were revealed.

Ahead of the live red carpet, BET premiered “Behind the Image: BET Awards Edition”, featuring Druski, Keke Palmer and T.I., hosted by Terrence J, along with a special performance from Fetty Wap, directly followed by the television premiere of Bow Wow’s ‘NPR Tiny Desk’ performance.

Full Recap of “BET Awards” 2026 Highlights

BET praised Black Excellence in music, television, film, and sports across more than 20 categories.
Druski’s opening monologue set the tone for a night full of comedy, celebration, and reflection.
T.I. kicked off the evening with a high-energy performance of” “Top Back” and “Let ’Em Know,” setting the tone for a night of electrifying performances from Baby Keem, Cardi B, Doechii, French Montana, Kenny Iko, KWN, Max B, Rapsody, Rick Ross, Tems, and more.
Kehlani delivered an emotional and heartfelt rendition of “Folded,” captivating the audience with a deeply personal performance.
Janet Jackson took the BET Awards stage to present a tearful Teyana Taylor with the prestigious Icon of the Year Award. Jackson also surprised her with the announcement that she had earned three additional accolades: the Fashion Vanguard Award, Video Director of the Year, and Best Actress.
Cardi B brought unmatched energy to the BET Awards stage with performances of “ErrTime” and “Pretty & Petty”.
Druski brought his signature humor to the show with a live Coulda Been Records audition skit featuring Durand Bernarr and Saint Harison.
Druski surprised the audience by bringing out Martin Lawrence to introduce Yung Miami, who then presented Doechii and SZA with the BET Her Award.
Barack Obama shared a special message about the newly opened Obama Presidential Center at the BET Awards
French Montana and Max B brought their New York swag to the BET Awards with a performance of “Ever Since U Left Me”, before Rick Ross joined them on stage for a rendition of “Minks in Miami”.
Tems delivered a soulful performance of “What You Need” captivating the audience with her powerful vocals.
Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson delivered a stirring In Memoriam tribute, honoring those lost over the past year with a heartfelt performance.
D’Angelo’s longtime band, The Vanguard, paid tribute to the legendary artist with a heartful performance, joined by Ari Lennox, RAYE, and Durand Bernarr in a moving celebration of his life and music legacy.
On the BET Amplified stage, Kenny Iko delivered a dynamic performance of his single “Talk Dirty”.
Lauryn Hill closed the BET Awards with a surprise performance of “Ex Factor” and “Everything is Everything” after being honored with the Living Legend Icon Award, marking a powerful finale to the evening.
Presenters for the evening included: Carl Anthony Payne II, Chloe Bailey, Chris “Comedian CP” Powell, Deon Cole, Deray Davis, Diarra Kilpatrick, Gail Bean, Isaiah John, Jaafar Jackson, Jacob Latimore, Keke Palmer, Kelly Rowland, Latto, Luke James, Marsai Martin, Nia Long, Yung Miami, and more.