Inside the 2026 BET Awards: biggest winners, unforgettable performances and historic moments

The 2026 BET Awards lit up the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles with a night that blended celebration, legacy and emotional milestones.

Hosted by comedian Druski, who made history as the youngest host of the ceremony, the show moved between high energy performances, heartfelt tributes and major wins that reflected the strength of Black music, film and culture.

Teyana Taylor leads the night

Teyana Taylor emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, taking home multiple honours including Icon of the Year, Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the inaugural Fashion Vanguard Award.

Her night turned into a defining career moment when Janet Jackson surprised her on stage to present her with the Icon of the Year award. 

Overcome with emotion, Taylor reacted in disbelief and told the audience: “Oh my God. B&tch, I’m gagging.”

She later reflected on her journey with honesty, saying, “But nah, I worked my ass off for 20 years for this. I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance; I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.”

She also spoke about shifting away from the competition in the industry, adding: “Greatness isn’t measured by how many people stand beneath you; it’s measured by how many people stand beside you because you’re willing to reach back.” 

She ended her speech with a message to younger women watching, saying: “Our softness is not a liability. Our depth is not too much. Our light does not need permission to shine.”

Big wins across music and culture

Clipse had a strong night with Album of the Year for “Let God Sort Em Out” and Best Group.

Cardi B took Best Female Hip Hop Artist for “Am I the Drama?” while Kendrick Lamar earned Best Male Hip Hop Artist, continuing his record-breaking run at the awards. 

Leon Thomas broke through in a major way, winning Best Male R&B / Pop Artist ahead of established names like Usher and Chris Brown.

Kehlani won Best Female R&B Pop Artist while Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist, marking her arrival on a global stage.

Performances that owned the stage

The show delivered a series of standout performances that kept the audience fully engaged.

Kehlani’s performance of “Folded” became a highlight when Jamie Foxx appeared unexpectedly to open the set alongside his daughter, who played guitar, adding a family-centred moment to the night.

RAYE delivered one of the most talked-about performances of the evening with “Nightingale Lane.”, holding a long vocal note that drew a standing ovation.

Cardi B brought high energy to the stage with tracks from her latest album, turning the arena into a full concert experience.

T.I. opened the show in dramatic fashion, rising from a large crown-shaped stage structure before performing “Top Back” and “Let Em Know”, joined by his son King Harris.

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Tributes and emotional moments

One of the most powerful segments of the night was the Living Legend Icon Award presented to Ms Lauryn Hill.

A wide range of artists including SZA, Doja Cat, Tems, Doechii, Nas, Queen Latifah and Common, took part in a tribute medley of her music while Hill watched from her seat and joined in at moments.

The performance brought the room to a standstill as generations of artists came together on one stage.

Another emotional moment came during a tribute to D’Angelo.

His children introduced his longtime band The Vanguard, who performed alongside Ari Lennox, RAYE and George Clinton in honour of the late R&B pioneer.

Meanwhile, Jackson’s surprise appearance remained one of the most shared moments of the night.

When she walked on stage to present Taylor with the Icon of the Year award, the audience erupted in applause. The reaction went on so long that Jackson softly asked them to settle down so that she could continue.

A visibly emotional Taylor embraced her idol in a moment that summed up the spirit of the night.