Lauryn Hill, Janet Jackson and Druski Headline 2026 BET Awards/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lauryn Hill received the Living Legend Icon Award with an emotional tribute and surprise performances at the 2026 BET Awards. Janet Jackson stunned Teyana Taylor with a surprise presentation, while Druski became the youngest host in the show’s history.
Lauryn Hill BET Awards Quick Looks
- Lauryn Hill received the Living Legend Icon Award.
- Hill closed the ceremony with performances of “Ex-Factor” and “Everything Is Everything.”
- Janet Jackson surprised Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award.
- Sylvia Rhone received the BET Ultimate Icon Award.
- A tribute honored the late D’Angelo.
- Druski became the youngest host in BET Awards history.
- The show also remembered Clive Davis, Richard Smallwood and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
Deep Look
Lauryn Hill Receives Living Legend Honor at BET Awards
The 2026 BET Awards celebrated some of music’s biggest trailblazers, with Lauryn Hill receiving one of the night’s highest honors after an emotional tribute recognizing her groundbreaking influence on hip-hop, R&B and soul.
Following a 20-minute tribute featuring performances by SZA, Doechii, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common and Hill’s children, Selah Marley and Zion Marley, the eight-time Grammy winner surprised the audience by performing her 1998 hit “Ex-Factor.” She later closed the ceremony with “Everything Is Everything.”
Ice Cube introduced Hill before she accepted the Living Legend Icon Award, which recognizes artists whose work continues to shape culture across generations.
During her acceptance speech, Hill encouraged fellow artists to embrace their creativity and remain authentic.
“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.”
Hill first rose to prominence as a member of the Fugees before releasing her landmark solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which produced timeless hits including “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” and “Everything Is Everything.”
Janet Jackson Surprises Teyana Taylor
One of the evening’s biggest surprises came when Janet Jackson unexpectedly appeared on stage to present Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award.
Taylor became visibly emotional as Jackson walked out to a standing ovation.
“They did not tell me Janet was coming,” Taylor said through tears. “There will be no me without you.”
Jackson praised Taylor’s versatility, highlighting her achievements as a recording artist, actor, director, producer and choreographer while also recognizing her recent Golden Globe success.
The award honors creative figures whose influence extends beyond entertainment into broader culture.
Reflecting on her career, Taylor expressed gratitude for her decades of work.
“I worked my (expletives) off 20 years,” she said. “So I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance. I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.”
BET Honors Industry Trailblazers
The ceremony paused for an emotional in memoriam tribute celebrating influential figures from music and entertainment who died during the past year.
Erica Campbell introduced the segment while honoring the legacy of gospel composer Richard Smallwood and longtime music executive Clive Davis before performing Whitney Houston’s “I Love the Lord” alongside Le’Andria Johnson.
The tribute also remembered actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner and several other influential figures whose work shaped music, television and culture.
D’Angelo’s Legacy Celebrated
The BET Awards also paid tribute to the late D’Angelo with an all-star musical celebration that began with appearances by his three children.
Artists including Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton and RAYE performed several of D’Angelo’s signature songs, highlighting his enduring impact on contemporary R&B.
Sylvia Rhone Recognized for Music Industry Leadership
Veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone received the BET Ultimate Icon Award for her pioneering leadership throughout the recording industry.
Kelly Rowland presented the honor, while video tributes from Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and other artists highlighted Rhone’s role in launching and developing careers for performers including Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, Future, Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator.
Accepting the award, Rhone dedicated the recognition to the many artists and creative professionals she has worked with throughout her career.
“Tonight’s honor bears my name, but it really belongs to all of us who create culture,” she said.
Rhone also addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the music business.
“We make the algorithm. The algorithm doesn’t make us,” she said. “We must honor the musician. We must compensate the creator.”
She concluded by encouraging the industry to support future generations of artists.
Druski Makes BET Awards History
Comedian and digital creator Druski opened the ceremony with one of the night’s most memorable entrances, descending from the theater rafters while a choir performed Kirk Franklin’s “Revolution.”
At 31, Druski became the youngest person ever to host the BET Awards, surpassing Kevin Hart’s previous record.
The opening performances featured Kehlani performing “Folded” alongside Jamie Foxx and his daughter Anelise Estelle Foxx on guitar, while Don Toliver energized the crowd with “E85” and “Body.”
Kehlani later accepted the award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and admitted she had not prepared a speech.
Instead, she focused on the presence of Janet Jackson.
“Janet Jackson is here,” she said before adding she was “really honored to be here” among the night’s performers.
Throughout the evening, Druski showcased his signature humor with comedy segments featuring Martin Lawrence and rapper Latto. Lawrence jokingly rejected Druski’s pitch to appear in another “Bad Boys” movie while promoting his upcoming Paramount+ series, and Latto playfully teased the host during transitions.
Druski also delivered a parody of Jay-Z’s Roots Picnic freestyle, highlighting the comedic style that helped make him one of entertainment’s fastest-rising personalities.
Hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte returned as the official announcer, helping guide viewers through a celebration honoring music, culture and the artists who continue to shape both.
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