The 2026 BET Awards took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 27, honoring music icons and creative forces.
Comedian Druski, 31, hosted the ceremony, becoming the youngest host in BET Awards history, surpassing Kevin Hart's 2011 record.
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Lauryn Hill Receives Living Legend Icon Award
Lauryn Hill was presented with the Living Legend Icon Award after an all-star tribute introduced by Ice Cube.
The tribute featured performances by her children and artists including SZA and Lizzo.
During her acceptance speech, Hill urged fellow artists to stay true to their creative purpose.
“I fight for y’all,” Hill said.
“And fighting for y’all is me fighting for myself, it’s me fighting for my children, it’s me fighting for my community.”
The ceremony also celebrated her landmark solo debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which includes classics like “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” and “Everything Is Everything.”
Teyana Taylor Named Icon of the Year
Music legend Janet Jackson surprised Teyana Taylor on stage to present her with the Icon of the Year Award.
“They did not tell me Janet was coming,” Taylor said.
Jackson praised Taylor's artistic range, noting her Golden Globe win for her role in “One Battle After Another.”
Taylor reflected on her two-decade career, saying, “I worked my (expletives) off 20 years.”
She accepted the honor with gratitude rather than arrogance. “So I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance.
