Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill deliver surprises at 2026 BET Awards
The BET Awards returned Sunday night, honoring Black excellence across music, television, film and more. Audience members were treated to appearances from musicians Lauryn Hill and Janet Jackson as part of the 2026 ceremony.
Jackson took the stage to present actress Teyana Taylor the Icon of the Year award in a surprise moment.
Taylor hugged Jackson, telling her, "There is no me without you," before reflecting on her career, saying she had "worked my a** off" to be honored as an Icon.
Also on Sunday night, the show paid tribute to Living Legend Icon recipient Hill in a segment featuring The War and Treaty, SZA, Doechii, Tems, Doja Cat, Nas, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common and others.
Hill surprised the audience with performances of "Ex-Factor" and "Everything Is Everything," and encouraged fellow Black artists not to "sell your gift short."
The night's special honors also included music executive Sylvia Rhone, who received the Ultimate Icon Award following a speech by Kelly Rowland.
T.I. kicked off the show fresh off the release of his album, "Kill the King."
Host Druski then took the stage to revive his viral church skit and lay out the rules, including a 30-second speech limit.
Throughout the night, he also spoofed the BET Hip Hop Awards cypher, brought his Coulda Been Records auditions to the stage and shared a comedic moment with actor Martin Lawrence.
Leon Thomas took home best male R&B/pop artist, while Kehlani won best female R&B/pop artist after performing a stripped-down rendition of "Folded" alongside Jamie Foxx on piano and his daughter Anelise on guitar.
Doechii and SZA accepted the BET Her Award, with Doechii teasing new music. Other winners included Clipse, whose "Let God Sort Em Out" earned album of the year, and Cardi B, who won best female hip hop artist.
