Teyana Taylor named Icon of the Year at 2026 BET Awards

musicJun 29, 202663766

Teyana Taylor received the Icon of the Year award at the 2026 BET Awards, presented onstage by Janet Jackson as the ceremony closed a night of performances and tributes. Janet Jackson told Taylor she is “a testament to the greatest superhero the world will EVER know…the Black Woman,” before handing over the honor. Taylor accepted the Icon award saying, “I will wear this title loud & proud.” Posts from the ceremony also note Taylor led early with wins in three competitive categories and appeared on the carpet in Stéphane Rolland SS26.

@therootdotcom.bsky.social

Sylvia Rhone accepted the Ultimate Icon Award at the #BETAwards on Sunday. During her speech, she made it clear that honoring Black creativity also means protecting it, especially in the age of AI. Her message to the industry was direct: “We make the algorithm. The algorithm doesn’t make us.”

Quoting this

Temu Tisha Campbell48

I want folks to remember this when they get on here sharing those text/comments to song tiktoks. The AI used to steal from artist is trained by feeding it those comments & text for a viral moment.

She looks like she could be kin to the Allen sisters.

@therobmilton.com

- Whitney would’ve gone up for her Jersey girl! #BETAwards

Strictly 4 My Navigators

@lizzslockeroom.bsky.social

I also loved that the tribute started with Tanya Trotter (Blount) 💙🙌🏾 #BETAwards #SisterAct2

That Preppy Black Girl3

This is my second favorite scene in the movie. Which I’ve seen dozens of times.

LikeLotionForAsh1

And her voice with age sounds even better! Amazing.

Meatwad Ron: Summer of Ron

@wrenispinkle.bsky.social

Watching some of the BET Awards tonight and I think it’s cool that us libs got Cardi B in the national divorce while MAGA is stuck with Nicki Minaj

@nancyk5.bsky.social

Teyana Taylor in Stéphane Rolland SS26 at the 2026 BET Awards #fashionsky

Monaleo shares selfie with Kehlani and Keke Palmer from the 2026 BET Awards.

NIKKI Baby 🍫♊️💜

@becauseofnikki.blacksky.app

Zion coming out to “Zion” is definitely an iconic moment!!! #BETAwards

Sean Padilla Says #ProtectJho and #FreeLink

@seanpadilla.blacksky.app

Me, after canceling my YouTubeTV free trial that I got solely to watch the BET Awards:

@passionweiss.bsky.social

D’Angelo performing “Sugah Daddy” at the 2012 BET Awards - his first television appearance after a 12-year hiatus.

The Hollywood Reporter

Raye brought everyone to their feet with her powerful vocals during her performance at the 2026 BET Awards Sunday night.

@percivalpenman.bsky.social

Black folk >>>> Black folk during the BET Awards >>>>

@njbesleeping.bsky.social

#BETAwards And now, the tribute! I’m glad Ms. Lauryn Hill was there to witness the artists that she inspired! How wonderful! This is a great tribute!

@epark1016.blacksky.app

So they just gonna keep on airing Target commercials during the BET Awards?

Janet Snackson8

Target is BEGGING Black people to shop there again!

I’m still trying to get past Rick Ross and Ice Cube 🤦🏾‍♀️ I changed the channel.

Quoting this

Double Aunt Andre 3000 AKA Jason Reefer5

BET run by the opps so this not surprising.

ABC News Australia

@news.abc.net.au

Lauryn Hill honoured with Living Legend Icon Award at BET Awards

@notbeforenoon.bsky.social

He thought he could get away with this in L.A.? At the BET Awards?

3 sources

hollywoodlife.comWhat Time Are the BET Awards on Tonight? When to Watch the 2026 Ceremony eonline.comKeke Palmer Steals the Show at BET Awards 2026 During Cardi B Intro vulture.comThe 2026 BET Award Winners

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