NEED TO KNOW
Teyana Taylor experienced a technical difficulty at the Billboard Women in Music event when the teleprompter failed during her speech
The star returned to the stage at the end of the night in sweatpants to deliver her remarks
Earlier that evening, Teyana posed on the red carpet with her parents, Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith
Teyana Taylor made an unexpected wardrobe change at the 2026 Billboard Women in Music event.
The 35-year-old singer and actress appeared as the Visionary honoree at the Wednesday, April 29, ceremony in Los Angeles. When she took the stage to deliver her acceptance speech in a flowing white satin gown, however, the teleprompter malfunctioned.
In a video shared on X, Teyana repeatedly asks, “Can I get the teleprompter?” while swaying back and forth as she waits. She then jokes, “Y’all know I be having good speeches and s—. I wanna read my little speech,” and the audience can be heard laughing. After being informed that the teleprompter isn’t working, Taylor walks off the stage.
At the end of the night, the One Battle After Another star took the stage once again, this time wearing a sweatsuit, and was able to give her speech.
Teyana Taylor.
Credit: Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty
In a statement shared on Instagram, Billboard said, “During Billboard Women in Music an issue with the teleprompter prevented Teyana Taylor from giving her speech during her special moment. We apologize to Teyana Taylor for the uncomfortable error and are grateful that she agreed to graciously return to the stage, delivering an incredible speech as this year’s Visionary Award recipient.”
Earlier that evening, Teyana posed on the red carpet with her parents, Nikki Taylor and Tito Smith.
The star opted for a jaw-dropping gown by Ashi Studio that featured an ivory corseted bodice adorned with twisted tendrils of dark hair. She also wore a sheer white skirt with blonde hair peeking out below the train.
Teyana added white lace-up platform shoes and wore her hair in long mermaid-inspired waves.
Teyana Taylor, Tito Smith and Nikki Taylor.
Credit: Monica Schipper/Getty
Nikki opted for a form-fitting black gown and gold jewelry, while Smith wore a classic black suit. The trio cozied up for a series of sweet photos.
Teyana also shared a special moment with journalists on the red carpet.
In a video shared by Us Weekly, the star is seen going down the line of reporters and hugging each one after her publicists reportedly wouldn’t let her do interviews.
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“If I ain’t gone do nothing else, AuntTEY gone GIVEEEEE a hug!! lol,” Teyana captioned a repost of the clip on Instagram Stories.
Read the original article on People