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The 2026 BET Awards delivered a night packed with emotional tributes, memorable moments and iconic performances. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 28 and hosted by comedian Druski, the ceremony celebrated some of the biggest names in music and entertainment while also honouring legendary figures.

From Lauryn Hill receiving the Living Legend Icon Award to an emotional tribute for the late D’Angelo, the evening had both celebration and emotional moments. Cardi B added another trophy to her collection while Teyana Taylor emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners after receiving a special honour from none other than Janet Jackson.

Here are five of the biggest highlights from the 2026 BET Awards.

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Lauryn Hill Receives Living Legend Tribute

One of the most talked-about moments of the evening was the tribute to Lauryn Hill, who received the Living Legend Icon Award. A lineup of performers celebrated her groundbreaking career with renditions of classics including Ready or Not, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Superstar, Doo Wop (That Thing) and Lost One.

Hill watched from the audience, singing along and soaking in the moment. The tribute ended with Queen Latifah declaring, “Respect the queen of [New] Jersey.”

D’Angelo’s Children’s Emotional Tribute 

The ceremony also paid tribute to the late D’Angelo, who passed away in October following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His children—Michael Archer Jr., Imani and Morocco took the stage to introduce the performance.

“To the world, he was D’Angelo. To us, he was just Dad,” Imani said, setting the tone for one of the most emotional segments of the night. The tribute featured members of D’Angelo’s longtime band The Vanguard alongside artists including Ari Lennox, RAYE, George Clinton, BJ the Chicago Kid and Durand Bernarr.

Cardi B Celebrates A Major Victory

Cardi B walked away with the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist award and used her acceptance speech to reflect on her recent journey.

“Three babies later, I put the album out, honey. Yes. I overcame my fear, my anxiety and I put it out,” she said while accepting the award. She added, “I love my babies. I love Jesus. Thank you so much.”

The rapper also delivered one of the night’s most energetic performances, performing tracks from Am I the Drama? while dancing over a roulette-table-inspired stage setup.

Janet Jackson Surprises Teyana Taylor 

A standout moment came when Janet Jackson appeared on stage to present Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award. Taylor appeared visibly emotional as Jackson praised her remarkable year.

“Teyana Taylor, what a year it’s been for you,” Jackson said. She added, “It seems like only yesterday a rose from Harlem grew out of the concrete and blossomed into our Icon of the Year.”

The music legend also commended Taylor’s work ethic, artistic achievements and dedication to her family.

Teyana Taylor Dominates The Night

Beyond receiving the Icon of the Year Award, Teyana Taylor had one of the most successful nights at the BET Awards. The star also won Fashion Vanguard, Video Director of the Year and Best Actress, making her one of the ceremony’s biggest winners.

Fresh off a Golden Globe win, an Oscar nomination and a Grammy-nominated album, Taylor’s BET Awards success further cemented what has already been a career-defining year.

With emotional tributes, surprise appearances and major wins, the 2026 BET Awards once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated celebrations in entertainment.