Teyana Taylor receives Icon of the Year award from Janet Jackson at 2026 BET Awards, while Cardi B and Raye deliver standout performances

Teyana Taylor's emotional Icon moment

Teyana Taylor received the Icon of the Year Award from Janet Jackson, a surprise that left the Golden Globe winner sobbing on stage. Jackson also announced that Taylor had won Video Director of the Year, Best Actress, and the Fashion Vanguard Award earlier in the evening. Taylor, who has worked in the industry for 20 years, reflected on her career and the importance of lifting others up.

Most of my career has been spent building my own dream while helping somebody else build theirs, because I believe there's room for all of us to win, even if that means pouring from my own cup into someone else's, so they can overflow, not because I had to, but because that's just who I am. That's pretty damn iconic, if you ask me.

She also thanked her parents and her two children, calling them her "greatest masterpiece."

Cardi B's fiery performance

Cardi B rode onto the stage on a sport bike wrapped in lights before launching into a medley of tracks from her album Am I the Drama?, including "Errtime," "Hello," "Check Please" and "Pretty & Petty." The set, which featured backup dancers and a stripper pole, brought the crowd to its feet. Cardi B entered the night with a leading six nominations and won Best Female Hip Hop Artist.

Raye earns a standing ovation

British singer Raye delivered a rendition of "Nightingale Lane" from her album This Music May Contain Hope, showcasing her vocal range and emotional depth. The performance ended with a standing ovation from the audience, with Queen Latifah and Keke Palmer visibly moved. Raye was also nominated for Best New Artist.

Early winners and other honorees

Kehlani won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Leon Thomas took Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. The ceremony, hosted by Druski, also honored Sylvia Rhone with the Ultimate Icon Award and Ms. Lauryn Hill with the Living Legend Icon Award. Performers throughout the night included T.I., Don Toliver, Common, Jill Scott, French Montana, Max B, and many others.

Nominations at a glance

Cardi B led all nominees with six nods, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five each. Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto each had four nominations. The full list of winners was still being updated as the live broadcast continued.